Expensive Fruit in Japan
At the first auction of the season last week, a pair of melons sold for 1.5 million yen, which was only half the sale price for two melons at last year's auction. The melons were grown in Yubari, Hokkaido and are a premium type of cantaloupe. The successful bidder was Kurashige Shoten who is a fruit wholesaler in Sapporo, Hokkaido. He said he plans to give the melons to children at an elementary school in Yubari.
I don't understand this! I don't even like cantaloupe. What is the most you would pay for melon?
7 comments:
Mind boggles! :-)
xx
I remember in Korea seeing fruit being sold at a department store for 89,000 Won. I wasn't tempted but I was tempted to get the 10,000 won apples at the supermarket if only to try it once. They were really big and looked amazing. Unfortunately my sister wouldn't let me :( one of my biggest regret.
It's really about the symbolic meaning, rather than buying fruit. Hard to explain, but sort of like showing support for the grower and honoring the beauty of the melon. Perhaps it is kind of like a display of one's gratitude for both. In my mind it is also comparable to the overflowing sake cup as a display of hospitality. Anyway, these yearly stories about the melon sales often turn up in the U.S. in the category of 'odd news.' Fruit, melons especially, can be expensive in Asia anyway. I once paid about $20 US for 1/2 a melon in Korea. It was a gift item that was recommended to me.
This is certainly good for promotion, and the better the reputation, the more money can be made.... Faming is not an easy job, it requires time, energy and expertise. Although I want to buy at low prices, I understand that farmers have the right to get fairly paid for their effort and struggle.
I think Jen hit it right on, 'it's more about the symbolic meaning', 'a display of gratitude for both'.
I'm thankful for farmers and what they grow, more power to them!
This type of auction occurs at our 4-H fairs. A business often has the winning bid. Big hype for the fair, for the bid winner and encouragement for the grower. Melons? I LOVE them. After my daughter was born (1974) I went on what I called the cantaloupe diet. I was happily eating AND losing weight. Not sure how healthy it was, but I loved it. Then the melons sold 2 for 1 dollar. Now they go for around $2.50. I usually won't pay more than $2 from the store. I also have a favorite roadside stand I buy fruit and vegetables from in the summer. Whatever his price, I pay. The produce is grown right there. It is quality and fresh. And I am supporting an elderly gentleman both mentally and financially.
xx, Carol
I habe heard of the first box of cherries of the season being auctioned in Gisborne where we used to live, I think the money goes to the Childrens hospital but I am not sure. It seems a huge amount of money to payfor melons!! I will pay $2.00 for a half cantalopue, only I eat it and a whole one is too much.
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