A Cuban woman residing in Houston, Texas, has become the center of a heartfelt story that captures the challenges faced by many families on the island. She purchased two packs of strawberries at Sam's Club and transported them to Cuba, allowing her relatives to taste them for the very first time.
The woman, known on TikTok as @yanis_sweet.houston, shared a video on September 27 detailing the meticulous process she followed to ensure the strawberries remained fresh throughout the journey.
"I placed them in this little basket, lined it with paper towels to absorb moisture, wrapped them in aluminum foil, and tucked them into my suitcase beneath the 50-pound checked luggage," she recounted in the video.
Ensuring Freshness Across Borders
The preparation didn't stop there. Rising before dawn, she packed the strawberries into her luggage at the last possible moment to keep them chilled.
"I put them in a cold-keeping bag along with other frozen items, which is why they arrived in perfect condition," she explained.
Mixed Reactions to a Rare Treat
The family's reaction to the strawberries was mixed, as she had anticipated. Given that strawberries are a rarity in Cuba, not everyone was fond of the taste.
"Some didn't like them much, while others did. You know, it's not something you see here, but I'm happy they got to try it," she said.
A Sweet Family Gathering
To make the experience more festive, she prepared small tres leches desserts for each family member, using the strawberries and Cuban meringue for decoration, creating a sweet and communal tasting event.
"The Cuban meringue tastes delicious, and that's how the mini tres leches looked with the strawberry on top," she described with satisfaction.
Strawberries: A Rare Commodity in Cuba
Strawberries are a rare and challenging fruit to find for many Cuban families due to limited cultivation on the island, which requires specific conditions and care.
This topic sparked viral debate back in April 2025, when a Cuban influencer showcased strawberries grown in her garden, eliciting criticism from users who felt this reality was far removed from everyday life for most Cubans.
The video by @yanis_sweet.houston is part of a broader trend within the diaspora, where Cubans document their shopping experiences at places like Walmart or Costco to bring food back to their families on the island.
Just days earlier, another Cuban traveled with a backpack full of cheese and ham, and on September 30, yet another young woman revealed her Walmart purchases intended for her trip with her daughter.
"I brought quite a bit, yes, quite a bit, and they taste delicious," concluded the Houston resident, knowing that even a small gesture can mean a great deal to those waiting on the other side.
Understanding the Challenges of Bringing Food to Cuba
Why are strawberries rare in Cuba?
Strawberries are rare in Cuba because their cultivation is limited and requires specific conditions that are not widely available on the island.
How do Cubans abroad help their families in Cuba?
Cubans living abroad often document their shopping trips to stores like Walmart or Costco, purchasing food and goods to send back to their families in Cuba.