With that in mind, farmers in Japan grow watermelons as if they were a piece of rare jewelry to please your guts: they choose the perfect soil, the perfect seeds, the perfect pruning methods and everything else to make them look and taste heavenly—if watermelons could be massaged, I bet that’d happen, too!
Are watermelons special in Japan?
Japanese Watermelon Make A Fancy Gift
Fruit in Japan is very expensive and the watermelon is no exception. Some of the most famous watermelons auction for 350,000 yen a piece during the first days of harvest. And then there’s a special type of black watermelon grown in Hokkaido that retails for around 5,000 yen apiece.
What does a melon symbolize in Japan?
Historically, fruit has played a large role in the nation’s gift giving culture. During the fourteenth century, samurais would offer tangerines or melons to the shogun, their leader, as a sign of loyalty and appreciation.
Why are watermelons in Japan square?
The idea of growing square watermelons began in Japan. Japanese farmers needed to find a way to work out the issue of traditionally round watermelons being too awkward by rolling around or taking up too much space in the refrigerator.
Is watermelon a luxury in Japan?
Watermelon: up to $6,000
It became a popular gift and common decoration in Japan at around $80 to $200 for a premium watermelon. Due to the process of turning the watermelon into a cube though, they are inedible and are purely decorative.
Why do Japanese love watermelons?
The main reason behind this is that watermelon in Japan—like many other fruits, in fact—is considered a luxury: something you’d give to a really important senpai as a thank you or summer gift rather than something essential for your seasonal diet.
Why is fruit a luxury in Japan?
A Farmer’s Dedication
It is not uncommon for them to channel all their resources into growing just one fruit on a plot of land and tend to all its needs carefully as if nurturing a child. This suggests that this exclusive fruit will be sold at a premium price as a way to reward the farmers for all their hard work.
What is the national fruit of Japan?
Persimmons are the national fruit of Japan. They are usually in season between September and December, and are a good source of potassium, phosphorous, and vitamin C. This article will look at the types and benefits of persimmon fruit, their nutritional content, and how to include them in the diet.
What fruit is Japan known for?
Below is a list of some of the most popular Japanese fruits:
- Pome Fruits. Nashi (Japanese Pear) Although nashi are quite similar to Western pears, there are a number of significant differences.
- Citrus Fruits. Mikan (Mandarin Orange)
- Stone Fruits. Momo (Peach)
- Berries. Ichigo (Strawberry)
- Melons. Melon.
- Others. Kiwi.
What is the most popular fruit in Japan?
Apples
Apples were the most consumed fruits in Japan as revealed in a survey conducted in November 2020. More than 50 percent of respondents ate apples at least once a month, while 48 percent stated to eat mikan frequently.
Which is the most expensive fruit?
World’s Most Expensive Fruit: Yubari King Melon, Do You Know How Much it Costs? At a traditional auction, marking the start of the summer season, two coveted Yubari melons were sold for almost 18 lacs, which is more than 22 times the last year’s price.
Why are square watermelons not edible?
Although cube melons were originally created with practicality in mind, the cost is prohibitive. The cube shape of the watermelon can only be achieved at the expense of its contents. To retain the proper shape, cube melons must be harvested before they are ripe, rendering them inedible.
Why is square watermelon so expensive?
When the watermelons grow in these square molds, the fruit often does not really respond to the mold, which means fewer are successfully made — and that the price for the in-demand watermelons can easily be driven up when there are not enough to meet demand.
What is the most expensive fruit in Japan?
Let me introduce you to the most expensive fruit in Japan, the Yūbari King Melon. Originating from Yūbari in Hokkaido, these melons set the record for the most expensive fruit ever sold.
What is the cheapest fruit in the world?
bananas
As one of the cheapest fruits around, bananas are generally sold for about $0.60 a pound, and they have a variety of health benefits.
What are rare Japanese fruits?
Forbidden Fruit: The 10 Most Expensive Fruits in Japan!
- The Dekopon Citrus: 13$ per orange.
- The Sekai Ichi Apple: 21$ per appple.
- The Zentsuji Watermelon: 94$ per melon.
- The Taiyo no Tamago Mangoes: 100$ per fruit.
- The Sembikiya Muskmelon: 150$ per melon.
- The Yubari King Melon: 200$ per melon.
How much is a normal watermelon in Japan?
Producer prices
1 kilo of Watermelon in Japan is around USD 41.74 in Tokyo and Yokohama, packed and ready for export. The price in JPY currency is 0.3869298.
How much is a square watermelon in Japan?
The square watermelon has expensive prices at $100 on average in Japan, and up to $860 abroad. No wonder, Japanese people often use it as expensive gifts that appeal to wealthy or fashionable people. This fruit is so iconic, making it perfect for decorating and gift-giving.
Why is broccoli illegal in Japan?
On Wednesday a spike in radiation in Tokyo tap water caused new worries about Japan’s food safety. Broccoli was added to the list of contaminated vegetables. Fish, as of now, is allowed but will be first screened for radiation.
Is fruit a gift in Japan?
Giving fruit as a gift is a common custom in Japan. But this fruit is not your normal greengrocers’ produce, complete with bumps, bruises and blemishes. The pick of the crop is grown with exquisite care and attention to detail – and commands an eye-watering price when it comes to market.
Why does Japan have the best fruit?
The fruit culture in Japan is rather unique, produced with great care Japanese fruits are often very tasty and rich in flavour. Japan has a climate that is very well suitable for growing different kinds of fruit.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.