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Yubari melon, which grows exclusively in a greenhouse environment, is the most expensive delicacy for the people of Japan. Despite its small geographical distribution, it is known far beyond the Japanese islands due to its unsurpassed taste. But it is noteworthy that among other relatives it is distinguished not only by an exotic and unusual taste, but also by a high price from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars apiece.
About the variety
The Japanese, in addition to all their merits, are well known as breeders who breed very unusual varieties of plant and fruit crops. Naturally, not all of their attempts were successful. Many grown crops have not received public approval, and some of them are not suitable for consumption at all. What can not be said about Yubari. These berries have gained wide recognition among many gourmets around the world. And every year they are gaining more and more popularity, appearing on the menu of the most expensive restaurants in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and America.
These melons received their name King Yubari (Yubari King) from the provincial Japanese city of Yubari of the same name, which is located on the island of Hokkaido. Here they were grown for the first time and continue to be grown to this day. These fruit crops grow exclusively in greenhouses, in which special artificial conditions are created, allowing this variety of gourds to fully form and ripen to the appropriate condition.
The greenhouse climate and conditions are monitored very strictly. Throughout the entire period of Yubari cultivation, the temperature regime and the level of air humidity change several times depending on the period, from the moment the flower ovaries are formed until the fruit ripens. It is thanks to the alternation of climatic changes in the greenhouse that a diverse flavor palette of this variety is achieved.
Japanese breeders claim that the main feature in the taste of these melons is provided by volcanic ash in the soil.
The Yubari variety is a cantaloupe, that is, a synthesis of two varieties, referred to as spicy cantaloupe. Those who have tried it say “juicy”, “spicy”, “sweet” about it – these are the flavors that remain after eating this berry. According to those who have tried it, the taste sensations when biting off Yubari slices brightly alternate, at the same time smoothly replacing each other: first, cantaloupe is felt on the front of the tongue, watermelon in the middle, and before the moment of swallowing, notes of pineapple are felt.
All this is very intriguing and fascinating, especially if you ask the price for such a Japanese melon.
Why so expensive
For many gardeners and ordinary people, it is not entirely clear why Yubari melons are so expensive. Indeed, it is difficult to understand for a person who is far from Japanese traditions and worldview. In general, it is worth noting that, due to their lifestyle, the Japanese have a special passion for rare fruits, one of which was the royal melon.
In Japan, it is believed that this is an extraordinary variety of melon: it has a unique taste, aroma, elegant appearance and beautiful skin. It is noteworthy that in addition to the difficulties in the cultivation process, taste characteristics and low prevalence on the planet, these melons are also valued among Japanese citizens for their almost perfect rounded shapes and the presence of an exceptionally smooth thin skin. Accordingly, the more rounded the shape of the fruit and the smoother the peel, the more attention it deserves. This is due to the fact that the skin of Yubari is similar in its patterns to ancient porcelain vases, which are very much appreciated in the east. Therefore, among Japanese gourmets, such expensive gifts are very much appreciated, especially if they are given in pairs.
If a Japanese owner has a couple of such melons on the table, then this, as a rule, indicates his good standard of living and material wealth.
Who cost the most Yubari?
As already mentioned, these melons are very expensive, the average price for them at harvest time is from $50 to $200, it all depends on size, ripeness, time of year and other indicators. It is rather difficult to buy them at retail, because when the harvest ripens, wholesalers buy them in large quantities, and then put them up for auction, where their price increases significantly.
In addition, it is customary to auction the best first-class Yubari melons, which are the first harvest of the season. The price for such fruits can reach several thousand dollars. So, annually at the beginning of spring, auctions are held for the sale of Yubari melons.
The record holder who bought the most expensive Yubari melons was a resident of Japan, the owner of a supermarket in Niigata Prefecture. They cost him about $28 a pair.
Video “The most expensive products”
We present you the 5 most expensive products in the world, among which you will find Yubari royal melon. Details in the video.
