People in Japan are buying melons that cost as much as a new car.
This specific variety of melon is called the Yubari King and is actually a cross between two types of cantaloupe.
Just like Kobe beef or champagne, the fruit can only be produced in a certain region in Yubari, hence the name. A pair of the watermelon recently sold at auction for around ¥3 million (£21,500). That’s around £10,000 per Melon…
The reason for the high price is the exclusivity/scarcity as they’re hard to grow. and because they apparently possess a very sweet flavour. Normally they cost between £40 and £80, which is still a lot of money for a melon. When the highest bidder was asked about the purchase, he said “I wanted to return a favour to the farmers of Yubari, who help us every year.”
