Miyazaki aka Egg of the Sun: Know all about world's most expensive mango variety priced at Rs 3 lakh

Mangoes are grown across India in every region, from Bainganpalli to Dussehri, Alphonso to Langda, the fruit comes is various shapes and sizes and every breed tastes differently. 

It is also called the 'King of Fruits' and apart from being used for gifting, the seasonal delight is also incorporated in a number of recipes such as parfaits, puddings, curries, shakes or even ice-creams. But the world's most expensive variety of mango is actually from Japan. It is called the Miyazaki mango and is grown in the Miyazaki city of Japan, hence the name. It is one of the most famous fruit cultivated in the country and is over 350g in weight and has 15% or higher sugar content.

This particular mango is popular for its different appearance and colour than the usual mango varieties which are popular in India and Southeast Asia. The highest quality of Miyazaki mangoes are sold as 'Taiyo-no-Tomago' or 'Eggs of Sunshine'. Instead of the usual green or yellow, the skin of the Miyazaki mango is flaming red and actually shaped like a giant dinosaur egg. 

The cultivation of the Miyazaki mango requires long hours of sunshine, warm weather and plenty of rainfall. Each mango is surrounded by a protective net so that the sunshine uniformly hits them and gives it the unique shape. 

It is said that the mangoes started being cultivated in Miyazaki city between 1970-1980s. This variety of mango is available only from April to August. A majority of the mangoes are sold off between May to June.

Miyazaki mangoes are rich in antioxidant and contain beta-carotene and folic acid, which helps people with tired eyes and also helps in preventing the reduced vision.

It is one of the most premium fruits and is one of the most expensive ones sold in Japan. The price reportedly starts from Rs. 8,600/- and can go up to Rs. 3 lakhs for a box of two mangoes.

Other than Japan, the Miyazaki mango is also cultivated in some other countries with the ideal weather conditions. This includes Thailand, Philippines and India. Recently, a couple in Madhya Pradesh grew the Miyazaki mango variety in their farm in Jabalpur. They had to employ four guards and seven dogs to protect the rare mangoes from being stolen.