Of the more than 1,200 varieties of watermelon grown around the world, none is more expensive or more sought after than the famous Densuke black watermelon.
Grown in the northern part of Hokkaido island due to special soil and climate conditions in quantities that rarely exceed 10,000 per year, Densuke watermelons are considered one of the rarest fruits in the world.
Therefore, it is not a fruit you would expect to find easily in markets or grocery stores. Instead, the Densuke watermelons available each year are auctioned off to the highest bidder in highly anticipated events for hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
These melon auctions usually take place in June every year, attracting a large number of people to participate in the auction and admire.
The most expensive Densuke watermelon in history was sold at auction in 2019, for a whopping 750,000 Japanese Yen ($6,000 USD). Prices have dropped over the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but black watermelons are by far the most expensive melons in the world.
Densuke watermelons are also much larger in size than usual, with an average weight of about 4 kg but some fruits also reach a record of nearly 8 kg.
Known for its exotic, shiny black skin, Densuke watermelons are said to have crispy flesh, greater sweetness than other watermelon varieties, and fewer seeds. Lucky people who have tried this fruit say it tastes just like watermelon but much better.
While its rarity certainly accounts for the value of Densuke watermelons, it's worth mentioning that the price ultimately also reflects the amount of time and dedication that goes into growing them.
Although the first few lots of the annual crop fetch the highest prices at fruit auctions, Densuke watermelons can usually be purchased for a starting price of around $250 each in most countries. This can still be considered a large amount of money to pay for a watermelon.
Like most luxury products, Densuke watermelons are packaged in beautifully decorated cube-shaped cardboard boxes and accompanied by a certificate of origin, as proof of authenticity is very important.
They are often given as gifts, to show respect, gratitude and to keep relationships going smoothly.
According to Kyodo news agency, this type of watermelon began to be grown in the 1980s and quickly became famous around the world. Currently, besides Japan, the US and Europe are the two largest markets consuming this type of watermelon.
(Source “Education & Times Newspaper”)
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