We often think of luxury in terms of cars, jewelry, or perhaps even rare art. But have you ever considered the sheer extravagance that can be found in the world of fruit? It might sound surprising, but some fruits command prices that would make even the most seasoned shopper do a double-take. These aren't your everyday apples and bananas; these are fruits cultivated with meticulous care, bred for unique qualities, or presented in ways that elevate them to the status of edible treasures.
Let's take a peek at some of these extraordinary offerings, starting with the humble banana, albeit a very special one. The Gokusen banana, for instance, hails from a pristine ecological zone in the Philippines. Each one is individually boxed and bears a serial number, a testament to its exclusivity. They're celebrated for being sweeter, more aromatic, and subtler than their common counterparts, fetching about $6 a piece. It’s a far cry from the bunch you grab at the local supermarket.
Then there are the visually intriguing Buddha-shaped pears, a creation from Chinese farmers who mold them as they grow. Legend has it these unique fruits bestow immortality, which might help justify their $9 price tag. Following closely is the Dekopon, also known as the Sumo Fruit. This Japanese hybrid of mandarin and orange is lauded as the most flavorful citrus globally, boasting a sweet, slightly tart profile and exceptional juiciness. At $13 each, it’s a premium citrus experience.
Japan truly shines in the realm of high-value produce. The Sekai Ichi apple, meaning 'World's First,' is another marvel. These behemoths can weigh up to 2 kilograms and are hand-pollinated with special tools. Reserved for special occasions, they cost around $21. Even strawberries get a luxury makeover. Boutique strawberries, selected for their flawless form, can be found at Tokyo's Sembikiya fruit parlor, costing a hefty $69 for a dozen.
Perhaps the most striking visual is the square watermelon, a product of Japanese ingenuity. Grown in cube-shaped containers, their cultivation is challenging, and they often don't fully ripen. Primarily purchased for decorative purposes, these can range from $200 to $800. And speaking of unique, the "Huevo del Sol" or "Son of the Sun" mangoes are known for their exceptional sweetness and weight, with a pair once selling at auction for an astonishing $3,000.
Further up the price ladder, we encounter the Densuke black watermelon, exclusively grown on Hokkaido Island. Its deep, almost black rind, devoid of stripes, makes it visually distinctive. While averaging $250, the record-holder fetched an incredible $6,100 at auction. But the undisputed champion of expensive fruits, at least according to our list, are the Ruby Roman grapes. These Japanese red grapes are the size of ping-pong balls, boast an 18% sugar content, and command prices of $65 per bunch. It's a level of luxury that redefines what we expect from nature's bounty.
