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September 5, 2008 3:07:58 AM CDT

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Japanese Melon Sells for $6K

Posted Jun 6, 08 10:05 AM CDT in Arts & Living,  World 

(Newser) – A rare black watermelon, one of 65 from Japan's first harvest of the year, sold for more than $6,000 at auction today, the AP reports. The Densuke melon has the distinction of being the most expensive of its kind in Japan, and probably the world, though the Guinness World Records organization points out that it does not keep track of watermelons.

The 17-pound fruit has a dark green rind and a more intense taste than its ordinary cousin. Most black watermelons run about $200 in department stores—still a steep price, but as an agriculture spokesman explains, "It's a watermelon, but it's not the same. It has a different level of sweetness."

Source Associated Press

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A black jumbo watermelon produced in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido brought 650,000 yen (US$ 6110) at Tokyo's Isetan department store Friday, June 6, 2008 shortly after being flown into Tokyo.   (AP Photo/Tomoko A. Hosaka)
California consumers can buy watermelons in bulk, but in Japan, melons are a luxury item, and wealthy buyers are often willing to pay top dollar for the season's first harvest.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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