Top 7 Most Expensive Fruits In The World

Expensive fruits, with their tantalizing flavors, exquisite appearances, and often unparalleled rarity, occupy a unique and fascinating niche in the world of culinary indulgence. These fruits are not merely sustenance; they are coveted treasures, sought after by connoisseurs, collectors, and those who value the extraordinary over the ordinary.

Their prices often reach staggering heights, not only because of their remarkable taste but also because they embody the artistry, meticulous cultivation methods, and craftsmanship of those who cultivate and present them.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 7 most expensive fruits in the world and their unique characteristics.

7. Dekopon Citrus ($13 Each)

The Dekopon citrus, often referred to as the "Sumo Citrus," is a highly sought-after and luxurious fruit known for its exceptional sweetness, impressive size, and distinct appearance. Originating in Japan, the Dekopon has become a prized delicacy and a symbol of premium citrus fruits around the world.

The fruit is known for its harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity, resulting in a taste that is often described as a blend of tangerine and mandarin with a hint of honey. They are grown in carefully controlled environments to maintain their unique flavor and appearance.

After the citrus fruits are harvested, they undergo a 40-day curing process to reduce acidity to less than 1% and enhance their sugar content. One could typically buy this fruit in a box for $80(around $13 each).

6. Square Watermelon ($800 Each)

Originating in Japan, this fruit is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Japanese farmers and has become a symbol of luxury in the world of fruits. Farmers in Japan developed this fruit by growing it in a square container or mold during its early stages of development.

As the watermelon grows, it takes on the shape of its container, resulting in its characteristic square form. This distinctive shape makes square watermelons highly sought after and often used as decorative or gift items.

Square watermelons are produced in very limited quantities. They are primarily grown in Japan and have a short harvest season. There have been reports of wealthy Russians paying as high as $800 for a Japanese Square Watermelon.

5. Heligan Pineapple ($1,600 Each)

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The Heligan Pineapple, also known as the "Queen Victoria Pineapple," is an exceptionally rare and luxurious fruit cultivated in the United Kingdom, specifically within the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall.

The Heligan Pineapple's roots trace back to the 18th century when pineapples were considered a status symbol of wealth and prestige. The pineapples are grown under glasshouses with precise control of temperature, humidity, and light.

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This traditional approach to pineapple cultivation includes planting the pineapples in pits filled with horse manure and straw, which generates heat to foster optimal growth. The process is known as "pit forcing," and it takes several years to yield a single pineapple.

With such a labor-intensive process, the company behind this pineapple believed that it was worth over £1,000 (around $1,600).

4. Miyazaki Mango (Up to $3,600/Pair)

The Miyazaki Mango, often referred to as the "King of Fruits," is a highly-prized and exceptionally expensive fruit originating from Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan. One of the defining features of Miyazaki Mangoes is their flawless appearance. Each mango is a radiant golden-yellow color with silky-smooth skin.

They are known for their extraordinary sweetness, floral aroma, and rich, juicy flesh. The flavor profile is often described as a harmonious blend of tropical fruit notes with a hint of citrus.

One particular brand, "Taiyo no Tamago" which means "Egg of the Sun" went into headlines in 2017 as a pair of these mangoes were sold for a whopping $3,600. In order to be categorized as this type, each individual mango needs to have a minimum weight of 350 grams, possess a high sugar content, and display a distinctive reddish blush.

3. Densuke Watermelon (Up to $6,100)

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The Densuke watermelon, often regarded as the "Black Diamond" of the fruit world, is a highly coveted and exceptionally expensive fruit originating from the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Each year, only a small number of these watermelons are produced, contributing significantly to their rarity.

This stark contrast to the typical green watermelon exterior is not a result of genetic modification but rather a quirk of nature. The rind is smooth, glossy, and free of any blemishes, lending it an exquisite, gem-like appearance.

The flavor is often described as a harmonious blend of sweetness and a hint of earthiness, creating a one-of-a-kind taste experience. In June 2008, a Densuke Watermelon fetched a price of ¥650,000 (approximately $6,100) making it the most expensive watermelon ever sold.

2. Japanese Ruby Roman Grapes (Up to $11,000/Bunch)

Ruby Roman grapes are exclusively grown in Ishikawa Prefecture, a region known for its meticulous and labor-intensive grape cultivation practices. These grapes are cultivated under strict conditions, which include precise pruning, limited grape bunches per vine, and a rigorous inspection process.

Some individual grapes can be as large as ping-pong balls, and a bunch typically consists of only a few grapes. Each grape is a translucent crimson or ruby red, and their skin is textured, giving them an enticingly beautiful appearance.

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The Ruby Roman grapes have set multiple records at auction houses in Japan. In July 2019, a bunch of 24 Ruby Roman grapes sold for a hefty ¥1.2 million(approximately $11,000) making it the second most expensive fruit in the world.

1. Yubari King Melon (Up to $45,000/Pair)

The Yubari King melon, often dubbed the "Rolls-Royce of melons," is an iconic and exceptionally luxurious fruit hailing from the Yubari region of Hokkaido, Japan. Renowned for its remarkable sweetness, perfect spherical shape, and delicate netted rind, the Yubari King melon has earned its place as the world's most expensive fruit.

In May 2019, two of these Melons were sold at an auction to Pokka Sapporo Food & Beverage Ltd for an eyewatering ¥5 million(approximately $45,000). However, this fruit requires a unique combination of climatic conditions, including cold winters and warm summers, which are typical of the Yubari region.

Grown in small quantities, these melons are considered a rare delicacy due to their limited production. The scarcity factor contributes significantly to their exorbitant price tag.

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