Bunch of grapes for $13,000
There has traditionally been the highest demand for exclusive fruits in Japan. Сuriously enough, most of them are grown there. In this country, premium varieties are sold at auctions for millions of yen or thousands of dollars. There have been extremely sweet Ruby Roman grapes on the list of the most expensive lots since 2008. In its debut auction year, a bunch of this species weighing 700 grams was sold for $910. Eight years later, a rich buyer paid 10 times as much for a bunch. Moreover, this year a new record was broken. Ruby Roman grapes were purchased for $13,000.
Two mangoes for $4,500
Another special delicacy, which only people with high income can afford, is Egg of the Sun mango. This year, a Japanese buyer purchased just two fruits for $4,500. Its high price is associated with careful treatment of the crop during cultivation. When mangoes are still growing, farmers wrap each piece in netting so that they can alternately turn their sides to the sun and become evenly red-colored. Ripe fruits are not picked; they are expected to fall on a soft mat.
Two melons for $ 46,000
In May, two Yubari melons were sold for $25,000 at a Japanese auction. This fruit is named after the place where it grows. A delicacy is cultivated in the city of the same name on the northern island of Hokkaido. It takes about 100 days for a nutmeg melon to ripen. However, the Japanese appreciate not only its taste but also its appearance. The variety has a perfect round shape, and rind patterns resemble drawings on antique porcelain dishes. That is the reason Yubari melons are so expensive. Two years ago, 2 melons were sold for a record-breaking price of $46,000.
Watermelon for $4,500
Though in botanical terms, watermelon is considered a berry, we still thought it would be fair to include this fruit in our ranking. Besides, the Densuke Japanese variety also has considerable price records. In 2018, a watermelon with an unusual black rind was sold for $4,500, and last year for $2,000 respectively. Densuke has velvet sugary flesh. However, its taste is not radically different from other cheaper varieties. This watermelon is so expensive due to the fact it is farmed only in the town of Toma located in Hokkaido.
Box of tangerines for $10,000
Another exclusive fruit that gourmands hunt for is Unshu Mikan tangerines. The fragrant orange delicacy grows only on the island of Shikoku. This fact allows marketers to soar its prices. Last fall, a box of Unshu Mikan tangerines was sold at a Japanese wholesale market for $10,000. The species is considered not only rare but also one of the best among tangerines. Gourmands admit it is juicy and soft. This fruit is also very easy to peel.
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