You can turn strawberries into just about anything with a little imagination.
Ryanna Sandoval, 24, has turned chocolate dipped strawberries into carrots, bunnies, cows, ice cream cones, marbled artwork and more through her culinary business Lili Berries.
"It's satisfying, and it's unique," she said. "It's fun just to see how they come out."
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The food art trend is emerging in Sioux Falls, with culinary businesses establishing themselves in the city, such as Prairie Cocoa and Confections planning to open a storefront and dessert bar in Sioux Falls. Sandoval said she's following a food trend and has been inspired by other people's work to start her business.
While the food art is common across the country, Sandoval said she hasn't seen any Sioux Falls businesses focus on strawberry art.
Why did Sandoval start her business?
She started her home-based business in January, but she began working on the desserts in her free time back in October 2020. She'd had her first child earlier in the year, and she was still struggling with postpartum depression.
Crafting and designing the strawberries was an outlet for her with her depression. She'd design the strawberries as gifts for friends and family during celebrations and holidays.
"It helps, and it's soothing," she said.
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She quickly realized her hobby could grow, and she could design her work for more than just her loved ones. Lili Berries is named for her daughter - it's a nickname Sandoval's mother gave Lili.
The strawberries range from $25 to $55 for sets of six, 12 or 20, and customers can find the business on Facebook, she said. Sandoval is currently taking orders for Easter strawberry designs.