Densuke Watermelons Cost Thousands

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Why Densuke Watermelons Can Cost Thousands Of Dollars

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BY CATHERINE WOMACK/JUNE 8, 2022 6:14 PM EST

In the United States, you can typically expect a watermelon to go for a few dollars at the grocery store. However, in Japan, where expensive, specially-grown fruit is often given as a gift, watermelons can fetch the equivalent of hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars.

One of the rarest and most expensive fruits found in Japan is the Densuke watermelon. According to The Garden Magazine, these world-famous melons are grown exclusively on the island of Hokkaido. Since the melons are difficult to cultivate and require constant care, the yields are small — producing a limited number of fruits per season. Nearly seedless with a black rind and exceptionally sweet flesh, Densuke melons typically cost around $250 USD. In 2008, a Densuke melon sold for roughly $6,100 USD; it's considered the most expensive watermelon ever sold.

While exceedingly rare, Densuke melons aren't exclusively sold in Japan. In 2014, The Toronto Star reported that nine precious melons priced at $199.99 had found their way to Toronto grocery stores via a company specializing in rare fruits and vegetables. One farmer told the Star that Canadian customers who buy specialty fruits like the Densuke melon care less about taste and more about the status associated with such unique produce.