Writing for a luxury blog, the last thing that you expect to write about is watermelons. I kid you not, but flabbergasted is not enough to cover my initial reaction when told to write about these black rind watermelons from Japan. That I had never even heard of such melons did not make it any easier for me to get started on this write-up. But when you are told that a watermelon has been sold for 300,000 Yen which despite the crazy inflation is still a neat USD $3,800 ; you cant help but take notice.
Black Rind Densuke watermelons are apparently very priced in Japan due to their black and shiny skin. While the $3800 price tag was for the most expensive Densuke watermelon sold this year, a bit of research showed me that the highest price ever paid was a very cool $6,100 in 2008. The fruit is grown only on the northern island of Hokkaido, adding to its value.
What does a Densuke watermelon taste like? Gold bullion? Has anyone out there ever tried one of these? Is it worth it? (A Japanese agricultural expert was quoted as saying the melon is crisp and hard, with an unparalleled appeal: “It’s a watermelon, but it’s not the same. It has a different level of sweetness.”)
A total of 104 Densuke watermelons, known for their black and shiny skin, were auctioned off on Monday. Some 67,000 watermelons are scheduled to be shipped this season and will be sold at a retail price of about 5,000 yen each ($62). The one that was sold for $3,800 was one of the first of the season and also the best of the lot.
What we are most interested in is the taste that is said to be a lot sweeter and unlike any other watermelon that you may have tasted. So if someone has had the luck of dissolving the yummy flesh of a Densuke melon on their taste buds; then do let us know via comments.
[LA Times &The Sun UK ]
