The most expensive watermelon variety in the world, less than 100 fruits are harvested each year, the price is equal to a few iphones

Of the more than 1,200 varieties of watermelon grown around the world, none is more expensive or more sought-after than the Densuke black watermelon.

Densuke black watermelons are only grown in northern Hokkaido, Japan, and numbers rarely exceed 100 per year. Therefore, Densuke is considered one of the rarest watermelons in the world.

This is also not the kind of fruit you easily see in the supermarket. Instead, it is often auctioned in events, prices can push up thousands of dollars.

The most expensive Densuke watermelon in history was auctioned in 2019, with an extremely luxurious price of 6,000 USD (equivalent to more than 130 million VND). Its price has dropped significantly in the past 2 years due to the COVID-19 epidemic but is still the most expensive melon in the world.

Known for their glossy black skin, Densuke watermelons have a crunchy flesh, higher sweetness than similar varieties, and very few seeds. Those lucky enough to have the opportunity to taste it said that the taste is not much different from regular watermelons, only sweeter and more delicious.

Perhaps the limited quantity makes the Densuke watermelon valuable. Early season watermelons often fetch the highest prices at fruit auctions. Its starting price is about 250 USD (about 5.7 million VND). In most countries, this is still too much of an amount to pay for a watermelon.

Like most other luxury products, Densuke watermelons are packaged in a beautifully decorated cubic cardboard box, accompanied by a certificate of origin, because proof of authenticity is important. It is often given as a gift, showing respect, gratitude, and keeping relationships smooth.

It is not clear why Densuke watermelons are still not widely grown outside of Japan. However, according to The Gardener magazine, the seeds of this melon are being marketed in Europe and North America.