A Japanese fruit producer has sold a small batch of cherries for an eye-watering GBP 8,000.
The record-breaking bid was accepted at a wholesale auction at Ota Market in Tokyo, Japan, on 5th January.
The winning bid was made by produce wholesaler Funasho Group, which offered an astonishing JPN 1.3 million (GBP 8,000) for 500 grammes (18 oz) of premium-grade Sato Nishiki cherries.
Sato Nishiki cherries are considered by many to be the top variety of cherry from Yamagata Prefecture – dubbed the ‘fruit kingdom’ and Japan’s top producer of cherries.
The prefecture’s short rainy season and surrounding mountains, which protect it from damaging typhoons, make it an ideal place to grow the fruit.
Sato Nishiki cherries have been described as “succulent and juicy”, with their taste dubbed the “perfect balance of sweet and sour”.
Funasho Group put in the winning offer for the small batch as a good-luck bid for a successful year ahead in the food industry.
It is the fourth year in a row that the producer has scooped the very-first shipment of Sato Nishiki cherries.
The eye-watering amount accepted smashed last year’s record by JPN 100,000 (GBP 620).
Cherry trees are believed to have originated in western Asia and eastern Europe from the Caspian Sea to the Balkans.
Cherry cultivation first came to Japan in 1868.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: William McGee, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
