A cherry from the Japanese prefecture of Yamagata (western Japan) has been auctioned for 100,000 yen (590 euros) at a market in Tokyo. It is a cherry of the Yamagata Benio variety that was launched on the market last year and stands out for its size. It's much larger and its red color is more intense than the other varieties.
The auctioned fruit had a diameter of 34 to 37 millimeters. It was sold in a wooden box and had been grown by 76-year-old farmer Yoshimi Kanehira, who won an award last year for growing large fruits. The Yamagata Benio cherry has the same sugar content as another famous cherry variety, the Sato Nishiki cherry, and is characterized by its lower acidity, firmer pulp, and longer shelf life.
Yamagata's cherry season has already started and the auctions began this Monday, not only in the capital's market but also in other cities such as Sendai, in eastern Japan.
In Japan, it is traditional to auction the first agricultural products to mark the beginning of the season. Said products reach exorbitant prices, as they are sold more for advertising and in a symbolic spirit than with a lucrative desire.
Fruit is also a common gift among Japanese when they visit other people, so the products' color, appearance, and packaging are as important as their taste.
Source: heraldo.es