How Are They Made? And Why Are They So Expensive?

Japan has all kinds of amazing fruits and some of the world’s tastiest. There are even strange-looking fruits that are so cool, trendy, and perplexing. Case in point: square watermelons. Learn about this fruit, how it is made, and why it costs too much.

All About Square Watermelons

Square watermelons were first created in the late 1970s and presented in Tokyo’s exclusive Ginza district. They were invented purely for visual appeal and for the capital’s top spenders.

Spoiler alert: they taste just like regular watermelons. The only difference is the shape. And that they do not roll and are easier to stack.

The difference is also in how they are made. Young watermelons are placed into a square-shaped mold. Over the next few months, farmers monitor the growth to ensure it is flawless in shape and vertical stripes. Some do not conform, while just a few make it. Between the effort and the low supply, the value of these watermelons can range from $65 a piece up to $200 each.

Fruits like this typically are not meant for everyday eating. Rather, because of their fun eye-catching visual appeal, they are meant as special gifts for superiors and clients and extra special friends and family members who are aware that they were given an expensive gift.

 
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
 

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