In Japan, premium melons like the Yubari King are so highly valued that a pair can cost as much as ____.
Fruit in Japan is often treated as a luxury gift item rather than just food, reflecting deep-rooted cultural values of gift-giving and perfection.
The Craftsmanship:
👑 Premium melons, like the Yubari King, are grown in highly controlled greenhouses. Farmers often wear gloves and give the melons "massages" to improve their sweetness and shape.
🍈 Each plant is usually allowed to grow only one single fruit to ensure all nutrients are concentrated in that one melon.
The Value:
💰 In auctions, a pair of top-grade melons has sold for over $45,000 (5 million yen).
🎁 They are given as prestigious gifts during "Ochugen" or "Oseibo" seasons to show immense respect to bosses, business partners, or family members.