Tokyo, June 12 (IANS/EFE): A black watermelon from northern Japan's Hokkaido region fetched 350,000 yen ($2,833) in the season's first auction of the fruit, NHK channel reported on Friday.
The price replicated the high for the fruit last year.
The “Densuke” watermelon, cultivated in Toma city and famous for its black skin and sweet taste, was sold at a wholesale market in Asahikawa city.
Other 83 watermelon specimens sold went for around $40.
Farmers only sell watermelons that comply with certain requisites such as high sugar content.
The highest bidder said that the watermelon this year was especially sweet and placed the bid in the hope of doing good business, according to NHK.
Agricultural products are traditionally auctioned in Japan at the start of the season, with the novelty of having the first crop results in exorbitant prices and purchases surrounded by fanfare and huge profits.