Any takers? Just ₹3 lakh per kg

DESPITE unbearable heat, the Summer season is an absolute delight because mangoes are in the fruit market. The scrumptious fruit is fondly known as the ‘king of fruit’.

Just like India's diverse culture, mango varieties grown and sold in India are vastly diverse.

According to the National Horticulture Board, India is home to more than 1,500 varieties of mangoes. Out of all these home-grown varieties, Indian farmers are growing and selling Japan's Miyazaki mangoes, which are known to be one of the most expensive fruit in the world. Miyazaki is a rare variety of mangoes that is red or purple in colour. 

Generally, normal mangoes cost around ₹100 to ₹200 per kg. However, this Japanese variety of fruit, which is also grown in some parts of India, costs around ₹2.5 lakh per kg.

The Miyazaki mangoes are grown on some farms in India and are one of the most famous fruit in Japan. Last year, the Miyazaki mango variety was showcased in a mango festival in Siliguri and Raipur.

Where did Miyazaki mango come from ?

These mangoes are originally grown in Japan, where the tropical fruit came during the Meijei Period (1868 - 1912). The large-scale cultivation of the fruit began in 1970.

The creamy texture, flavourful fragrance and juicy flesh of this variety of Mango have made it one of the most popular fruit in Japan.

The rich sweetness of Miyazaki mangoes is an indelible experience in comparison to conventional mangoes. Miyazaki mangoes are grown in areas with plenty of sunlight. 

This rare variety of mangoes is majorly grown in the Miyazaki city of Japan. The city is known for its warm weather and long hours of sunlight. Other fruits which are produced in abundance in the city are Hyuganatsu, Kinkan (kumquat), and lychee.

Miyazaki mangoes were produced for the first time in 1984. The first mango farm in the city was in a small 8-unit farm. The method of producing this rare fruit has been developed over time.