When we think of luxury food, fruits may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, these mostexpensive fruits in Japan will change your perception. These exclusive fruits are showcased in glass display cases in special areas of high-end stores, exuding a sense of class and sophistication.
Imagine indulging in fruits that go beyond the ordinary ones found at supermarkets. These carefully cultivated fruits are of the highest quality, making them not only rare but also pricey.
Their taste is distinct and incredibly juicy, elevating your fruit-eating experience. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 mostexpensive fruits in Japan, giving you a glimpse into their exquisite nature.
Top Expensive Fruits in Japan
1. Yubari King Melon
This fruit reigns as the most expensive in Japan, and arguably, the world. It’s exclusively available to the elite 1% due to its rarity. Grown only in greenhouses in the Yubari region, these melons, considered one of the most expensive fruits, are limited in supply.
With a crisp, moist, and sweet flavor, they normally sell for $200 per fruit. However, in 2019, one Yubari King Melon, part of the expensive fruits from Japan collection, was auctioned and sold for a jaw-dropping $45,000.
2. Bijin Hime Strawberries
Known as the “beautiful princess” strawberries, they are cultivated by farmer Okuda Nichio at the Okuda farm in Gifu prefecture. It took him 15 years to perfect these strawberries, spending 45 days growing each berry.
With their large size, extreme juiciness, and sweetness, they are part of the expensive fruits list, sold for $4,000 to $4,500 per bunch. A single strawberry from the expensive fruits category has even been sold for 50,000 yen.
3. Ruby Roman Grapes
These grapes gained fame for their price tag of $12,000 for a pack of 24 grapes at an auction in 2020. Originating from Ishikawa Prefecture, they are renowned Japan’s expensive fruits for their large size, red color, and exceptional quality. Costing around $90 to $140 for a bunch, these grapes offer a taste and appearance that surpasses the average grape.
4. Densuke Watermelon
Standing out with its unique appearance and sweetness, the Densuke watermelon is the most expensive type of watermelon, another addition to the expensive fruits collection. Its intense dark green, almost black skin catches the eye, and it has minimal seeds.
Only 100 pieces are grown annually on Japan’s Hokkaido Island, and it was once sold for $6,000 at an auction, with a minimum price of around $250.
5. The Sembikiya Expensive Fruits
Sembikiya is a renowned Japanese food production company known for its high-priced fruits. Special care is taken during the cultivation process, with the musk melon plant producing only one fruit to concentrate all nutrients.
Sembikiya musk melons, part of the expensive fruits lineup, cost about $270 each, far exceeding the usual price of $15 per melon in Japan. Sembikiya apples can cost around $20 per fruit, with their exquisite appearance and taste, making them another addition to the expensive fruits list.
6. Taiyo no Tamago (Egg of the Sun) Mangoes
These mangoes stand out due to their unique growth method. Each fruit is cradled in a net, allowing sunlight to hit it from different angles, resulting in a vibrant ruby red color.
The net also helps protect the mangoes from falling off the trees. Usually priced at $50 per piece, two premium-grade mangoes from the expensive fruits collection were once sold for a record-breaking $4,500 in 2019.
7. The Zentsuji (Square) Watermelon
Perhaps you’ve come across pictures of square watermelons, and yes, they are real. Grown in square molds, these rare andexpensive watermelons fetch a price of $100 to $200 in Japan.
They can be even more expensive outside the country, reaching up to $800. While their shape is unique, their taste remains similar to that of regular watermelons.
8. The Sekai Ichi Apples
These apples hold the title of one of the most expensive in the world. They require optimal planting conditions and are meticulously cared for.
Rumor has it that they are washed with honey and hand-pollinated to ensure flawless perfection. With a price tag of around $20 per apple, these luxurious Sekai Ichi apples are highly sought after for their enchanting taste.
9. The Dekopon Citrus
This citrus fruit is a Japanese expensive hybrid of an orange and a mandarin. Seedless and easy to enjoy, the Dekopon citrus boasts sweeter and more intense flavors than regular oranges.
Its bumpy exterior and the cute bump at the top have earned it the nickname “Sumo Citrus.” A pack of six Dekopon citrus fruits sells for $80.
10. White Jewel Strawberries
If you’re a strawberry lover, the white jewel strawberry will captivate you. Grown by a single person in Saga prefecture, these strawberries are cross-bred to achieve their white color.
However, only 10% of them turn out completely white. Priced at $10 each, these strawberries are known for their remarkable size and exquisite taste.
Japan takes pride in producing high-quality fruits that offer exceptional nutritional value. With limited land available for cultivation, and a significant portion dedicated to rice farming, fruits are grown in controlled environments with immense care and effort.
If you ever have the opportunity to taste these rare and expensive fruits, consider yourself fortunate and appreciate their extraordinary nature.
Conclusion
Japan’s expensive fruits provide a glimpse into the world of luxury and rarity. These fruits, classified as expensive fruits from Japan, not only carry hefty price tags but also offer a taste and experience beyond the ordinary.
From Yubari King Melons to Bijin Hime Strawberries, each fruit possesses unique qualities that make it truly special. So, when in Japan, seize the opportunity to explore and savor these exquisite and expensive delights that define the epitome of luxury.
FAQ about Expensive Fruits in Japan
Why are fruits in Japan so expensive?
Several reasons contribute to the high cost of fruits in Japan. Firstly, the careful and meticulous cultivation processes used in Japan tend to be labor-intensive. Many fruits are hand-pollinated and hand-picked. Furthermore, Japan’s limited arable land leads to higher farming costs. Quality, taste, and presentation are highly valued in Japanese culture, and this applies to their fruits as well. These factors combine to make Japanese fruits more expensive.
What are some of the most expensive fruits in Japan?
The most expensive fruits in Japan include the Yubari King Melon, Densuke Watermelon, and Ruby Roman Grapes. Other costly fruits include Sekai-ichi Apples and Taiyo no Tamago Mangoes. These fruits are often sold in fancy boxes and are popular gifts.
What makes Yubari King Melons so expensive?
Yubari King Melons are prized for their perfect round shape, uniformity in rind patterning, and exceptionally sweet taste. These melons are grown under strict quality control standards and meticulous growing conditions, which contribute to their high price.
Are these expensive fruits a common part of the average Japanese person’s diet?
While fruits are a part of the average Japanese person’s diet, the exceptionally expensive fruits like Yubari King Melons or Densuke Watermelons are usually not consumed regularly. They are often given as gifts, especially for special occasions or celebrations, or can even be used as a status symbol.
Can I buy these expensive fruits outside of Japan?
Some specialty stores and online platforms do sell these fruits internationally, but availability can vary and they are likely to be even more expensive due to import costs. Please also note that your country’s import regulations may affect whether you can import these fruits.