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Dubbed the ‘Egg of the Sun,’ the Miyazaki mango is the world’s most expensive mango, prized for its vibrant ruby hue, exceptional sweetness, and meticulous, hand-crafted cultivation in Japan.
Egg of the Sun
As summer sets in, so does the season of mangoes — the undisputed king of fruits. But have you ever heard of a mango so rare and luxurious that it’s priced like a gem and known as the ‘Egg of the Sun’? Meet the Miyazaki mango — the most expensive mango variety in the world, prized for its vibrant ruby-red hue, irresistible aroma, and melt-in-the-mouth sweetness.
Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind this exquisite fruit and why it comes with such an extravagant price tag.
The Origins of a Luxury Fruit
The Miyazaki mango is named after the Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan, where it was first developed through a highly selective breeding process in the latter half of the 20th century. In Japan, these mangoes are not just grown — they are nurtured with near-ritualistic precision.
Each mango is individually hand-pollinated, then carefully wrapped in protective nets to shield them from insects, dust, and harsh weather. These nets also allow the fruit to hang freely, enabling it to receive uniform sunlight — which contributes to its signature deep red color and high sugar content. From start to finish, the cultivation process is entirely manual and meticulously monitored to ensure only the finest quality.
This intense attention to detail and low-yield, high-care farming is what elevates the Miyazaki mango from a mere fruit to a symbol of prestige and luxury.
What Makes It So Expensive?
Weighing in at about 350 to 550 grams per piece, each Miyazaki mango is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and natural sugars, giving it a luscious, almost custard-like texture. Its sweetness level can reach 15 or higher on the Brix scale (a measure of sugar content), far surpassing that of regular mangoes.
Prices can reach up to ₹2.7 lakh (USD 3,000) per pair at premium auctions in Japan — especially when the mangoes are categorized as Taiyo no Tamago, which literally translates to ‘Egg of the Sun’, and signifies the highest grade of the fruit.
Miyazaki Mangoes in India
In 2021, Indian farmer Surendra Singh from Bihar made headlines after successfully cultivating Miyazaki mangoes on Indian soil. Having imported two saplings from Japan, he managed to harvest 21 mangoes in the first year itself. His success has inspired other Indian farmers to explore the cultivation of exotic and premium fruits, expanding access to luxury agriculture in the country.
While the Indian-grown Miyazaki mangoes are not yet as expensive as their Japanese counterparts, they mark a significant step in democratizing luxury fruits for the Indian market.
A Symbol of Taste and Elegance
The Miyazaki mango isn’t just a fruit — it’s a statement. Whether gifted at high-profile occasions or served in fine-dining experiences, its vivid color, juicy flesh, and rarity make it one of the most coveted culinary indulgences in the world.
Would you try a mango that costs more than an iPhone? Or is this one luxury best admired from afar?
