The 10 Most Expensive Fruits in the World

Fruits are usually associated with simplicity, freshness, and affordability. But in some parts of the world, fruit has become a luxury product—carefully cultivated, perfectly shaped, and sold at prices that rival jewelry and designer fashion. These fruits are not expensive by accident. Their cost reflects rarity, strict growing conditions, limited supply, and intense quality standards.

Below are the ten most expensive fruits in the world, and the fascinating reasons why people are willing to pay extraordinary prices for them.

1. Yubari King Melon – Japan

The Yubari King melon is often considered the most luxurious fruit on Earth. Grown exclusively in Yubari, Hokkaido, this melon is treated more like a work of art than food.

Why It’s So Expensive:

The melons are grown under tightly controlled conditions, with precise temperature, humidity, and soil quality.

What Makes It Special:

Perfect round shape, smooth skin, and an incredibly sweet, aromatic flesh with no bitterness.

Typical Price Range:

Can sell for thousands of dollars per pair at auction.

2. Ruby Roman Grapes – Japan

These deep-red grapes are famous for their size, sweetness, and strict quality grading.

Why It’s So Expensive:

Only grapes that meet extreme standards for size, sugar content, and color are approved for sale.

What Makes It Special:

Each grape is about the size of a ping-pong ball and bursts with sweetness.

Typical Price Range:

A single bunch can cost several thousand dollars.

3. Densuke Watermelon – Japan

This rare black-skinned watermelon is grown only on the island of Hokkaido.

Why It’s So Expensive:

Limited production and short growing season make it extremely rare.

What Makes It Special:

Deep black rind with crisp, incredibly sweet red flesh.

Typical Price Range:

Often sells for hundreds to thousands of dollars.

4. Taiyo no Tamago Mango – Japan

Translated as “Egg of the Sun,” this mango is one of the most carefully cultivated fruits in the world.

Why It’s So Expensive:

Each mango must meet strict criteria for color, weight, and sugar content.

What Makes It Special:

Bright red skin, buttery texture, and rich tropical sweetness.

Typical Price Range:

A pair can cost several hundred dollars or more.

5. Sekai-Ichi Apples – Japan

The name literally means “Number One in the World.”

Why It’s So Expensive:

Each apple is hand-pollinated, washed individually, and inspected for perfection.

What Makes It Special:

Massive size, flawless appearance, and balanced sweetness.

Typical Price Range:

One apple can cost around $20–$30.

6. Lost Gardens of Heligan Pineapple – England

This pineapple is grown using Victorian-era methods, making it one of the rarest fruits in Europe.

Why It’s So Expensive:

It takes up to two years to grow a single pineapple using traditional techniques.

What Makes It Special:

Exceptional sweetness and historical cultivation process.

Typical Price Range:

Can cost over $1,500 per pineapple.

7. Square Watermelon – Japan

Created primarily as a novelty, square watermelons are grown inside glass boxes.

Why It’s So Expensive:

They are difficult to grow correctly and often not intended for eating.

What Makes It Special:

Perfect cube shape designed to fit neatly in refrigerators.

Typical Price Range:

Often sold for hundreds of dollars.

8. Buddha-Shaped Pear – China

This pear is molded during growth to resemble Buddha.

Why It’s So Expensive:

The molding process is labor-intensive and has a high failure rate.

What Makes It Special:

Unique appearance believed to bring good luck and blessings.

Typical Price Range:

Can cost around $10–$15 per pear, sometimes more.

9. Dekopon Citrus – Japan

Also known as Shiranui, this citrus fruit is prized for its sweetness.

Why It’s So Expensive:

It requires a resting period after harvest to reduce acidity.

What Makes It Special:

Seedless, extremely sweet, and easy to peel.

Typical Price Range:

Premium-grade fruits sell for high prices individually.

10. White Jewel Strawberry – Japan

These strawberries are extremely rare and visually striking.

Why It’s So Expensive:

They require special growing conditions and precise harvesting timing.

What Makes It Special:

Pale white skin with red seeds and a mild pineapple-like flavor.

Typical Price Range:

A small box can cost hundreds of dollars.

Conclusion

The world’s most expensive fruits are proof that food can be luxury. These fruits are not just grown—they are engineered, monitored, and perfected to meet extreme standards. While most people will never taste a Yubari melon or Ruby Roman grapes, these fruits reveal how culture, craftsmanship, and obsession with quality can transform something ordinary into something extraordinary.