Japanese melon sells for more than $6,000

• Story Highlights
• Black Densuke watermelon in Japan sells for a record $6,125
• Nearly 18-pound melon is grown only on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido
• Melon is one of only a few thousand that is made available each year
• Buyer says he wants to support local agriculture, according to an official

TOKYO, Japan (CNN) -- There's nothing better than a sweet, juicy watermelon on a hot summer's day, right?
But what if you had to pay six grand for it?
A marine products dealer in Japan plunked down a record $6,125 (¥650,000) Friday for a black Densuke watermelon -- grown only on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.
Premium melons regularly go for eye-popping amounts there. Only three years ago, someone shelled out about $3,000 for one.
The one that sold Friday had dark green skin -- nearly black -- making it look more like a bowling ball than a fruit.
The nearly 18-pound (8 kg) watermelon was one of 68 sold as part of the season's initial harvest this year and is one of only a few thousand available each year.
As for the buyer, he said he wanted to support local agriculture, according to an official with a local cooperative.

Attached Images

art.melon.ap.jpg (17.2 KB, 18 views)

every time I spend time in japan with my american friends...they always go home with at least a set of fruit stand pix....they just can't believe that it costs at least 50 bucks for a mellon even if it's cheap.....they taste like nothing we eat here though.

just the most juicy aroma-filled melons...ymmmmm!!!

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I'd never be shelling out thousands for a melon but I do like the boxed sets of cantaloupe. I don't think most Americans understand the premium of fruit in Asian culture(s).

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Well, when you can buy a 30 lb watermelon for $6.99 six thousand bux is kind of ridiculous.

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We mere mortals aren't part of the elite who can afford 6K for a watermelon... or wine. But nice fruit is attainable. Not to mention premium of space to raise fruit. Hokkaido is a big, big agricultural resource.

You've made the trans-pacific flights, I'm sure. Everyone going gangbusters on the 100% orange juice.

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I have never tasted japanese melons. I would love to know what it's like.

$6000 will buy you a lot of sushi. I'd rather have a lifetime supply of sushi than a watermelon

Dayum.. If I was for a second (lets say I was drunk or something) out of my mind and spent $6000 on a damn melon, that sucker better have a big ass golden nugget in it LOL

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That gold nugget better weigh at least 6.65 ounces considering the market price is currently $902 an ounce.

Here are some regular priced melons

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/4...474d26.jpg?v=0

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oNnlHmd29DE/Ru...c/DSC03573.JPG

These were about 40 bucks a pop...normal price.

these are little higher...payday gift..

these are above 100 bucks...

http://www.patrick.com/media/melon.jpg

stil very common...

__________________
"They call me deranged. The hope is that they are right! It is of no greater or lesser import for yet another fool to wander this Earth. But if I am right and science is wrong, then may the Lord God have mercy on mankind!"

Victor Schauberger





http://www.wiserearth.org