Miyazaki Mango Price: Mangoes are a favorite summer fruit in India, enjoyed fresh or in desserts, drinks, chutneys, or curries. They usually cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200 per kg. However, a rare Japanese variety, the Miyazaki mango, can sell for Rs 2.5 lakh per kg in some parts of India.
Grown on a few select farms in India, Miyazaki mangoes originally come from Japan. They were showcased at mango festivals in Siliguri and Raipur last year. While India grows about 1,500 varieties of mangoes each summer, Miyazaki is rare.
Origin of Miyazaki Mangoes:
The Miyazaki mango comes from Miyazaki city in Japan’s Kyushu province. It was developed in the 1980s by researchers from Miyazaki University and local farmers. This mango has a long shelf life and a unique taste. Known as Taiyo-No-Tamago or “Egg of the Sun” in Japan, it changes color from purple to red as it ripens and is harvested between April and August.
Why Are Miyazaki Mangoes So Expensive?
According to Business Insider, Miyazaki mangoes are a type of “apple mango” that turns red when ripe. Their high price is due to special growing methods, ideal weather conditions, and strict quality checks. The mangoes are hand-picked at the perfect ripeness to ensure the best flavor and texture. Only the mangoes with high sugar content and perfect skin are sold.
In 2019, a pair of Miyazaki mangoes sold for a record ¥500,000 (INR 3,34,845) at a Japanese market.
Cultivation in India:
Miyazaki mangoes were first grown in India by farmers in Odisha and Bihar who imported saplings from Japan. Initially priced at Rs 10,000 per kg, the price has dropped as cultivation spread to Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. However, some people say the Indian-grown variety doesn’t taste as good as the original.
Growing Miyazaki mangoes requires skill and patience. Farmers select the best saplings, plant them in rich soil, and use grafting techniques to keep the genetic quality of the mangoes. As per a report by CNBCTV18, these methods ensure that each fruit retains its special features.
Success Stories in India:
In Karnataka, Joseph Lobo grows Miyazaki mangoes on his rooftop garden. Despite initial problems with the climate, he succeeded in 2023. Lobo also grows other exotic plants and fruits, making his garden a vibrant ecosystem.
In Madhya Pradesh, a couple grows Miyazaki mangoes in their Jabalpur orchard. They describe the fruit as “like jelly” with sweet, melt-in-the-mouth pulp that can be eaten with the peel. An agricultural expert suggests growing these mangoes in a poly greenhouse for better quality and yield.
Benefits of Miyazaki Mangoes:
Miyazaki mangoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, vitamin A supports vision and skin health, and fiber aids digestion. They also contain antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and promote overall well-being.