There are currently over 1,200 varieties of watermelon grown around the world, among which one stands out with an extraordinarily high price that no other watermelon can compete with. With a very limited quantity of only about 100 melons produced each year, the Densuke watermelon is considered one of the rarest watermelons globally, and acquiring one is no easy feat.
What Makes Densuke Watermelon Worth Up to $6,000?
Densuke watermelon, known for its shiny black rind and crisp, less-seedy, and sweeter flesh compared to common watermelon varieties, is regarded as one of the rarest and most expensive watermelons in the world. Those fortunate enough to taste this fruit claim that its flavor far surpasses that of ordinary watermelons.
Densuke watermelons are only grown in the northern part of Hokkaido, Japan, with an extremely limited production of about 100 melons per year. This rarity makes Densuke one of the most coveted watermelons in the world. As such, finding Densuke in markets or supermarkets is quite challenging; instead, this watermelon often appears at major annual auction events.
In 2019, a Densuke watermelon set a record when it was auctioned off for an astounding $6,000. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the price of Densuke watermelon has decreased over the past two years. Despite this, the black watermelon still retains its status as the most expensive watermelon in the world.
The rarity of Densuke watermelon is the primary factor driving its high value. However, the time and effort required to cultivate it also contribute significantly to its price. While the starting price for a black watermelon in auctions is around $250 each, this is still considered too high for a fruit in most countries.
Like many luxury items, Densuke watermelon is carefully packaged in attractive boxes and comes with a certificate of origin. It is often used as a special gift to express respect, gratitude, and maintain good relationships.
Although Densuke watermelon has not yet been widely cultivated outside of Japan, there are reports that its seeds are now available on the European and North American markets. This may open up opportunities for growing and developing Densuke watermelon in other regions in the future.
Densuke watermelon is not just an expensive fruit but also a symbol of rarity and quality, enriching the world of high-end gastronomy.
