fruit Food source: rainbowcookinglight
The most expensive fruit in the world is a Mango, but it’s not just another Kensington mango. The most expensive, plum coloured, sweet mango is the Miyazaki mango. With its striking red colour, to the yellows of it’s insides, the Miyazaki mango is not just another fruit from the bunch. A kilogram can be sold for ¥600,000, or $3,600 USD. It’s not the sweetest, nor the biggest, but it’s in its most striking form.
The Secrets of The Miyazaki Mango
The Miyazaki mango is a derivation of the Irwin mango, which is an American mango. This mango is very delicate, resulting in hand pollination, often care, a stable climate and a specific soil type, and that results into a luxurious fruit. They are a striking red colour, reaching purple if ripe, hence the name “Taiyo no Tamago (Eggs of the Sun)”
Why Is It So Expensive?
Miyazaki mangos are very delicate plants and require a lot of care to grow and survive. They are grown in the Miyazaki prefecture. They need specific soil types and must be always kept in the right temperature, and to be classified as Taiyo no Tamago, they ought to be specific shapes, weights and have the perfect sweet taste, in addition to having no scratches or insects in them. The mango has the be put in green houses, and only the best stay. And farmers also must have a lot of patience, because they should dedicate their money and time for the mangoes all year round. And every April, they are sent off to the Miyazaki Central Wholesale Market.
What’s the process
To grow the mangoes, farmers must have multiple things set. Firstly, they grow their mangoes in greenhouses where the climate is set, and the mangoes must come from fertile soil. They must be protected from pests like the mango fruit flies, spider mite and aphids. The mangoes need sunlight, because sunlight helps the mango increase in size, and the sugar level rises. If the mango does not get enough sunlight, it might have to be thrown out. Farmers use Neem oil to let pests know who the boss is. They also rent bees to pollinate the plant, and if the bees haven’t pollinated a plant, it is a failure for the farmer. If dead parts of the plant are still attached to the plant, it could infect the other mangoes. If the plant receives to little or too much moisture, the plant could get too mall to be declared as Taiyo no Tamago.
Innovation in Agriculture
In the 1980s, Irwin Mangoes were first introduced to the Japanese from Florida. The Japanese people loved it and found out it grew splendidly in the Miyazaki prefecture, which has a suitable climate and good soil types towards mango cultivation. Then, a group of farmers dedicated their time and found out methods that would help the mangoes grow more juicier and would prevent scratching. They enhanced the flavour, and the appearances were stunning. This bought the attention of the public, and hence, the Miyazaki Mango.
Aesthetic and Taste Profile
The Miyazaki mango is a red, striking colour which is caused by sunlight exposure. The yellows of the insides are overwhelming, and the texture is so smooth. It is such a juicy fruit, that sometimes their buyers have trouble to eat them. When the sunlight hits the mango, it tends to grow and the sugar level rises. Also, if grown correctly, eaters will enjoy their overpowering sweetness, creaminess and a bit of sourness. They are often described as juicy and fragrant and they give out good vibes.
Economic Impact
Miyazaki mangoes have a great effect on the economy for Miyazaki. They boost travel and help locals with opportunities like helping to grow them and distribution. They are sold at very high prices, sometimes reaching $3,000 USD. They are exported to other big countries like the UAE, the US and various countries in Europe, contributing to exports and global trade. It encourages other countries to see Japan as a high-quality country, that has fine taste and good people, which encourages people to see Japan as a very good place. This also influences how other farmers grow their mangoes, as they see The Miyazaki prefecture and think how good they are.
Awards & Recognition
Miyazaki mangoes have not only captured the attention of consumers but also earned widespread acclaim. These luxurious fruits have won multiple awards at Japanese fruit fairs and international agricultural expos for their quality, appearance, and innovation in cultivation methods. One of the most notable moments was when a pair of Miyazaki mangoes sold for a record-breaking price at an auction, earning media coverage worldwide. Their prestige has turned them into a symbol of agricultural excellence in Japan, often gifted during special occasions or used in high-end culinary dishes. The meticulous care and high standards involved in growing them make every award a testament to the farmers’ dedication.
Cultural Significance
Beyond their economic and aesthetic value, Miyazaki mangoes have become a part of Japan’s cultural identity. In Japanese culture, fruit is often seen as a symbol of respect and luxury, and gifting a perfectly grown Miyazaki mango is considered a gesture of great honour. They are featured in gourmet cooking shows, luxury fruit parlors, and even serve as high-status gifts in corporate or political exchanges. Their rarity and perfection align with traditional Japanese values of craftsmanship, patience, and attention to detail. As a result, the Miyazaki mango stands not just as a fruit, but as a reflection of Japan’s deep appreciation for beauty, effort, and excellence.
Miyazaki mangoes are more than just a tropical fruit—they represent luxury, quality, and meticulous care in cultivation. With their deep red colour, exceptional sweetness, and limited availability, they have earned global recognition. These mangoes highlight how dedication and tradition can transform an ordinary fruit into something truly extraordinary.
By: Bhavik Doranala
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