If Series 1 showed what makes On Berries extraordinary, this chapter focuses on why they exist in the first place. Behind every box of On Berries is a story shaped by culture, by farmers who refused to compromise, and by technology quietly changing Korean agriculture. It’s also the reason Kim’C Market chooses to source these strawberries with such care.
In Korea, strawberries are more than something you eat. They signal a season. Winter, especially, is closely tied to strawberries. As the weather turns cold, they begin to appear everywhere, from neighborhood cafés and seasonal desserts to gift boxes shared between families. Many Koreans still remember waiting for the first strawberries of the year, knowing that their arrival meant winter had truly begun.
That long-standing affection has directly influenced how strawberries are grown in Korea. When a country truly loves a fruit, farmers don’t settle for “good enough.” They continue to invest, experiment, and refine. This cultural mindset eventually led to premium varieties like Gold Berry, the foundation of On Berries.
How Craft and Technology Shape On Berries
Korean strawberry farming is careful and deliberate work. It’s less about producing as much as possible and more about choosing the right moment. On premium farms, temperature, humidity, sunlight, and even how much energy the plant spends on each fruit are closely managed. Farmers thin branches by hand and intentionally slow the ripening process so flavor can fully develop.
Sweetness, acidity, aroma, and texture are considered together, not separately. On Berries are the result of this approach, built from many small decisions rather than mass production.
What makes them even more distinctive is the role of technology. They are produced by Farmyirehse, an agricultural technology company that uses AI to shorten the time needed to develop new strawberry varieties. Instead of focusing only on yield, this technology allows breeders to fine-tune what matters most to the eating experience, including deeper flavor, better structure, reliable firmness, and aroma that lasts. The result is a strawberry that feels both modern and carefully crafted.
Why Kim’C Market Chooses On Berries
At Kim’C Market, sourcing is never about convenience. It’s about choosing products that are worth bringing across an ocean. On Berries represent more than premium fruit. They reflect the values Kim’C Market looks for in every product: care over shortcuts, craftsmanship over speed, and flavor with a story behind it.
That’s why On Berries arrive in the U.S. not simply as strawberries, but as a small expression of Korean food culture. They’re available for only a short time each year, which is part of what makes them special. Korean strawberries balance tradition and innovation in a way few fruits do, and On Berries may be the clearest example of that balance. If you’re curious about what happens when culture, craftsmanship, and technology come together naturally, this is the season to experience it.
Teaser for Series 3
Now that you know the story behind On Berries, the next question is how Koreans enjoy them.
In Series 3, we’ll explore simple and beautiful ways to bring On Berries into your home, from café-style plating to everyday Korean-inspired pairings.
Stay tuned.
FAQ
Why are Korean strawberries considered premium?
Because flavor is prioritized over yield. Late-stage ripening, smart-farm controls, and meticulous hand care produce strawberries with exceptional sweetness and aroma.
What makes Gold Berry different from U.S. supermarket strawberries?
Gold Berry has higher natural sweetness, lower water content, a firmer texture, and a more pronounced aroma, creating a dessert-like eating experience.
How does AI technology improve On Berries?
AI accelerates variety development, allowing breeders to fine-tune flavor, structure, and consistency throughout the season.
Are On Berries organic or pesticide-free?
They are grown without pesticides and selected under strict quality standards.
How long is the On Berries season?
The season is extremely short, lasting only a few weeks each year. Once it ends, the berries return the following winter.