09-05-2025
'Egg Of The Sun': This Rare Japanese Mango Costs More Than Diamonds
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At Japan auctions, a single pair of Miyazaki mangoes, known as the "Egg of the Sun", can fetch an astonishing Rs 2.7 lakh (roughly $3,000).
As summer's heat settles across the country, so does the seasonal craving for mangoes. But among the baskets of golden Alphonsos and Dasheris lies a rare, ruby-red jewel that has stunned both taste buds and wallets – the Miyazaki mango, widely considered the most expensive mango on Earth.
Known poetically as the 'Egg of the Sun", the Miyazaki mango is a marvel of colour and craftsmanship. With its deep crimson skin and lusciously sweet flesh, this mango isn't just a fruit – it's a luxury item cultivated with meticulous care in Japan's Miyazaki Prefecture. Each fruit is pampered from the moment it begins to flower. Pollination isn't left to nature; it's done by hand. Once the fruit begins to grow, it's cradled in individual mesh nets, protecting it from pests and dust while ensuring uninterrupted sunlight for perfect ripening.
This intense level of precision farming is what gives the Miyazaki mango its signature look and exceptional taste. Rich in antioxidants, dietary fibre, and natural sugars, the mango boasts a Brix score (a measure of sweetness) of 15 or more – placing it well above average mangoes in both taste and texture. The flesh is soft, buttery, and so decadently sweet that it often replaces dessert entirely.
All this care comes at a price. At auctions in Japan, a single pair of Miyazaki mangoes can fetch an astonishing Rs 2.7 lakh (roughly $3,000) especially when they meet the highest quality grade and are labeled as 'Eggs of the Sun'. Their rarity and labour-intensive production process ensure that only a limited number ever reach this elite category.
In 2021, Surendra Singh, a farmer from Bihar, made headlines by successfully cultivating Miyazaki mangoes on in India. After importing two saplings from Japan, Singh managed to harvest 21 mangoes in his very first season. His quiet agricultural experiment ignited widespread interest among farmers in growing high-end, exotic fruits. Although Indian-grown Miyazaki mangoes don't yet command the same prices as their Japanese counterparts, their very presence hints at a transformative shift in the country's farming landscape.
First Published:
May 09, 2025, 17:26 IST
