You can find square watermelons in high-end Japanese grocery stores and luxury Tokyo fruit emporiums like Sembikiya and Nishimura Fruits Parlour.
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How much is a square watermelon from Japan?
The average cost of a “shikaku suika” (literally “square watermelon”) usually goes for around 10,000 yen but in some case they fetch a much higher price – like this one going for 20,000 yen (tax inclusive)! Japan has long been fascinated with gourmet fruits and offering them as gifts.
Can I buy a square watermelon?
The square watermelons are imported from Japan, where they’re grown in tempered-glass cases that force them to take on their unique shape. Inside, though, they’re the same as any other watermelon.They taste the same as a regular watermelon, as well. They’re just square.”
What country sells square watermelons?
Japan
In Japan, the cubic Cucurbitaceae actually serve a purpose beyond novelty. A giant round squash is both hard to store and awkward to cut; square watermelons can be tucked away much more easily in the small refrigerators typical of many Japanese households.
Do they grow square watermelons Japan?
Japan is known for growing some of the most delicious watermelons in the world, especially the square watermelon. An agricultural cooperative from Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture, can grow about 600 cube-shaped watermelons that can cost as much as 15,750 yen (around $157).
Are square watermelons good?
Unfortunately, square watermelons are more decorative than they are tasty. The melons are harvested before they are ripe, making them pretty much inedible. In Japan, it’s customary to give high-end fruits as gifts, so these watermelons make great presents for special occasions.
Why is square watermelon so expensive?
A square watermelon can cost you up to $200, depending on the size (via CTV News), though most hover in the $100 range.The high price tag is because growing these novelty fruits is pretty labor-intensive. Science doesn’t get any credit for the watermelon’s square shape, though — it’s all about molding.
How much does a watermelon cost in Japan?
A typical Japanese square watermelon will cost around ¥10,000 ($65), but that’s nowhere near the top prices they go for.
Why are watermelons so expensive in Japan?
the higher the price tag on the melon the superior the quality. In a nutshell, Japanese melons are so expensive because of the cultural value it holds and the hard work put in by the farmers in growing these perfectly polished melons.
What is the most expensive watermelon?
A black jumbo watermelon auctioned in northern Japan fetched a record 650,000 yen (US$6,100) Friday, making it the most expensive watermelon ever sold in the country — and possibly the world.
How Japanese make square watermelon?
While the watermelon is still small on the vine, a square, tempered glass box is placed around it. When the watermelon gets bigger, it grows into the shape of the box! Too easy. If you want to try this yourself make sure you use a glass or transparent mold so the sunlight can reach the watermelon.
Why is fruit so expensive in Japan?
Japanese Fruits are Expensive Due to the Farmers’ Dedication. The farmers put in a lot of efforts to create the fruits. And to do that they create special environments so that the fruits get the best care and grow perfectly.These melons are taken care of by the farmers like it’s their baby.
What is the most expensive fruit in the world?
Yubari Melon
The name of the most expensive fruit in the world is Yubari Melon, and for the cost of this fruit, one can buy gold or even a piece of land. This fruit is sold in Japan and cannot be accessed easily. You will be shocked to know that the cost of the Yubari Melon ranges in lakhs.
How do you get square watermelon?
The square watermelons are grown in glass boxes, which encourage the cubed shape. To solve the issue of having them too big, growers remove the fruit from the container once it reaches about 3 square inches (19 sq. cm.). Then, they simply package and ship them off for sale.
Why are Japanese melons square?
Two reasons actually. First, the square watermelons are easier to stack, which makes them easier to ship. Second, and perhaps most ingeniously, with space being an issue in crowded areas of Japan, the square watermelon is designed to fit perfectly inside smaller Japanese refrigerators.
How much does a watermelon cost?
Prices. The average US farm price for watermelons in 2020 was $16.80 per cwt. The national seasonal average retail price for non-organic, red-fleshed, seeded type ranged between $0.31to $0.38 per pound, and $0.46 to $0.55 per pound for red-fleshed seedless.
What is the purpose of a square watermelon?
They’re regular melons that were placed inside boxes while growing. The resulting shape makes the fruit easier to transport, cut, and store. Square watermelons sit neatly in small Japanese refrigerators, and they also fit a tradition of giving beautiful, expensive fruits as gifts.
Why is square watermelon an advantage?
Importance of Square Shaped Watermelons:
These watermelons develop their shapes from square glass cases where they are produced.The advantage of this is that they can easily be stored in refrigerators because of the shape that prevents it from rolling.
What is the most expensive melon in Japan?
The World’s Most Expensive Fruit – Meet Japan’s $45,000 Yūbari King Melon. When it comes to expensive and exclusive Japanese fruit, the Yūbari melon is the king. Grown in the small city of Yūbari in Hokkaidō, these extraordinary fruits have sold for as much as ¥5 million ($46,000USD) for a pair.
Do Japanese people love watermelon?
The main reason behind this is that watermelon in Japan—like many other fruits, in fact—is considered a luxury: something you’d give to a really important senpai as a thank you or summer gift rather than something essential for your seasonal diet.
What month is best to buy watermelon?
But the best time to buy is between May and September. That’s when production kicks in for the four top watermelon-growing states—Florida, Texas, California, and Georgia—which account for two-thirds of the U.S. crop and keep supermarket bins consistently full.
