Strawberries Pricing and Costs

Weigh the pricing and costs of adding strawberries to your menu

By Emily Lugg
Strawberries are a tasty, seasonal fruit that can be expensive. Restaurants and other food establishments can save money on strawberries pricing and costs by growing their own wild strawberries to use in recipes. Strawberry seeds are the least expensive way of growing your own strawberries, but do require more effort on the part of the business owner. For less than $30, though, you can have several strawberry plants to get started.

It is important to weigh the time versus money option when looking into having a supply of strawberries. Frozen strawberries are also a way to have a consistent supply of strawberries and not have to worry about waste. Considering strawberries pricing and costs when looking to add strawberries to your inventory:

1. Frozen strawberries are a good way to purchase wholesale strawberries and only use what you need.

2. Strawberry seeds from strawberry seed distributors is an inexpensive way to cultivate strawberries.

3. Strawberry plants can lessen the time for growing strawberries, but can cost a little more.

 

Purchase frozen strawberries to eliminate wasted fruit

Frozen strawberries from a distributor of strawberries are a way to have "fresh" strawberries without having to worry about the expiration. Buying frozen costs slightly more than fresh strawberries, but you don't have to worry about wasting any of the fruit. Frozen strawberries, when thawed, do have a softer texture than fresh, but frozen is a good alternative when you want to always have strawberries on hand. You can purchase a pound of frozen strawberries for around $5. Buying in bulk will decrease the per pound price.
Try: Organic Direct sells organic frozen strawberries by the bag. Food Service Direct sells frozen strawberries by the pound.

Buy seeds directly from strawberry seed distributors

Buying strawberry seeds is the least expensive way to have strawberries. The trade off is the time and effort that needs to be put into cultivating the strawberries. For around $3, though, you can have a packet of between 20 and 25 seeds. Eventually your $3 could really pay off, but it will take time and care to produce enough strawberries to supply a restaurant or food establishment. Purchasing seeds directly from the strawberry seed distributor will get you a better wholesale price on seeds.
Try: Hortus Botanicus sells two varieties of strawberry seeds. Organica Seed provides information on growing strawberries from seed.

Spend a little more on strawberry plants to expedite the growing process

Strawberry plants are a good way to have access to your own strawberry supply, but get a jump start on the growing process. Buying strawberry bushes requires a minimal investment for strawberry producers to grow strawberries and doesn't require the additional time to grow strawberries from seed. For around $30, you can purchase up to 25 strawberry plants. Again, strawberry growers can save money by purchasing strawberry plants in bulk.
Try: Mountain Valley Growers has strawberry plants for sale by the dozen. Garden Guides has tips for cultivating strawberry plants.