$20 strawberry trend reflects American excess in Los Angeles

A single strawberry from Japan is being sold for $19.99 at Erewhon, a luxury grocery store in Los Angeles. The fruit has gained attention on social media, with influencers showcasing its high price and unique qualities, leading to a surge in interest. The $20 strawberry is part of a trend for high-end fruit in the U.S., following similar luxury items from Japan. Other companies are also selling expensive fruit, aiming to support Japanese farmers facing labor shortages. Erewhon claims the strawberries are picked at peak freshness and flown to the U.S. quickly. In contrast, California strawberries are priced at about 10 to 14 cents each. The $20 strawberry's taste was described as exceptionally sweet and firm, but the experience raised questions about the implications of such luxury and its relation to cultural decadence.