A black jumbo watermelon was auctioned off in Northern Japan for a record price of 650,000 yen (USD 6,100), making it the most expensive watermelon ever sold in the country — and possibly the world.

This 8-kilogram premium Densuke watermelon is grown only on the northern island of Hokkaido.

Apparently this record bid is only for the category of watermelons since the price doesn’t even come anywhere close to the pair of pair of Yubari cantaloupe melons which were sold for a record 2.5 million yen (US$23,500).

But how much do normal Densuke watermelons cost?

Most will retail at department stores and supermarkets for a more modest 20,000 yen to 30,000 yen (US$188 to US$283).

And what makes a watermelon worth $200, much less $6,000?

Its unusual black skin and inside, the watermelon is crisp and hard. And, it has unparalleled taste. It has a different level of sweetness.

Source: Mainichi Japan and Japan Probe

I think only in Japan would you see watermelon going for 200USD. I think the most I would pay is 10 SGD for a cantaloupe melon.