It Looks And Is Different,

a black skinned water melon,

more than 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown around the world, but none is more expensive or more sought-after than the famous Densuke black watermelon, grown only on the northern island of Hokkaido, in small quantities that rarely exceed 100 melons per year, although they can be bought for a couple of hundred ponds, the first few lots of the annual crop yield the highest prices at fruit auctions, 

known for their black and shiny exterior, Densuke watermelons are said to have a crisp flesh, a higher level of sweetness than other watermelon varieties, and fewer seeds, Densuke watermelons come packaged in beautifully-decorated cubic cardboard boxes and include certificates of origin, as proof of authenticity is very important, they are most often offered as gifts, to show respect, gratitude and to keep relationships smooth,

so how much for the first of the crop? The most expensive Densuke watermelon in history was auctioned off in 2019, for a staggering 750,000 Japanese yen, at today's rate £4,481.80 or $5.855.15 as it happens prices have dropped in the last two years, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, well that is a relief! it is not clear why the Densuke Watermelon is not yet widely grown outside of Japan, but according to The Gardener magazine, seeds are becoming commercially available in Europe and North America, now there is a way to save a few bob, if you have a garden grow your own!