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Koyo Oishii berries
A strawberry unlike any other is about to debut.
Oishii, the brand behind the famous and sometimes viral Omakase Berry, will be launching its second strawberry, The Koyo Berry, this spring. Known for creating perfect seasonal strawberries in their indoor vertical farms, Oishii’s newest berry is designed to embody refreshing sweetness, balanced acidity, fragrant aroma, and slightly firm texture.
And like the Omakase berries, they come at a cost. Each jewel-like tray of Koyo Berries will sell for $15 for six pieces of non-GMO, pesticide-free fruit. And it’s not just inflated pricing – these are true specialty foods.
So what makes Oishii berries so special? Hiroki Koga, Co-Founder and CEO of Oishii explains why his fruit farm, the largest strawberry farm in the world, is unique.
What are Koyo berries and how are they different from omakase berries and regular strawberries?
Koga: Oishii means delicious in Japanese (and Koyo means elated). Our mission is to consistently deliver the tastiest products. The ruby ​​red Koyo Berry is bursting with sweetness offset by balanced acidity that awakens the senses. Due to its subtle tartness and slight firmness, the strawberry is perfect for any occasion. Some have said it tastes like summer.
The Koyo Berry, as well as our Omakase berry, is a type of Japanese strawberry with a very different flavor profile than berries traditionally grown in the United States. They are a true culinary experience involving all your senses. Apart from the differences in taste, our berries are available all year round and are perfectly ripe every time. Oishii berries are cleaner and healthier than traditional strawberries that are considered part of the “dirty dozen.”
Hiroki Koga in Oishii’s strawberry farm
How are these berries created?
Koga: Oishii berries are grown in our state-of-the-art vertical indoor farms located on the East and West Coasts (two outside of New York and one in Los Angeles). We combine high-tech agricultural techniques and respected Japanese traditions to create the perfect environment for our berries to thrive. Inside our farms, we have created a perfect day every day down to the exact temperature level and the exact time of day. Our trained farmers, bees and AI robots work together to deliver delicious berries to local grocers.
What is the best way to enjoy Koyo Berries?
Koga: The vibrant taste of Koyo Berry can be enjoyed at any time of the day, for a quick snack or with breakfast, the choice is yours. If this is your first time eating The Koyo Berry, I recommend enjoying it on its own to get the full experience. One of my favorite tips is to bite from the side of the berry rather than the top as you get a more rounded flavor profile, a perfect combination of sweet and tart.
They look so precious! What is the best way to store these results?
Koga: Just like any other strawberry, Koyo Berries should be kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy them. We recommend taking them out of the fridge for 10-15 minutes before eating for the best overall experience.
The Koyo Berry is available through FreshDirect in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for $15 per tray. It will expand to other markets, including Los Angeles, later this year.
