Why this exotic mango variety sells for Rs 2.50-3 lakh a kg and what does it taste and look like?
Miyazaki mango is the most expensive and exotic mango variety in the world.
A Unique Mango Variety known as Miyazaki mangoes, grown in some orchards in India, is one of the most famous fruits that actually originates from Japan. It is considered one of the costliest fruits in the world, primarily due to the controlled environment required for its growth, including ideal conditions such as a warm climate, fertile soil, and clean water.
Taste and Characteristics
In Japan, this Unique Mango Variety is called Taiyo-No-Tamago, meaning Egg of the Sun, due to its egg-like shape and bright color. Unlike regular green or yellow mangoes, Miyazaki mangoes have a skin that turns from purple to flaming red when ripe. These mangoes are larger, sweeter, and juicier than other varieties, resulting in their premium price.
The Miyazaki mango is a variety of mango cultivated in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. It's known for its exceptional quality, sweetness, and vibrant red color. While the fruit itself is the Irwin mango variety, also grown in other parts of the world, the meticulous growing
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Origins and Cultivation
The Miyazaki mango originates from Miyazaki city in Japan’s Kyushu province and dates back to the 1980s when researchers developed the fruit in collaboration with local farmers. Some reports suggest an earlier variety existed as far back as 1870 during Japan’s Meiji period.
In India, Miyazaki mangoes were first grown by farmers in Odisha and Bihar, who imported saplings from Japan. Orchard owners in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana later began cultivating these mangoes, bringing the price down, though the Indian variety’s taste and texture differ slightly from the original Japanese ones.
Factors Contributing to High Cost
Several factors contribute to the high cost of this Unique Mango Variety:
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Warm climate, fertile soil, and access to clean water are essential.
- Meticulous Cultivation Techniques: Farmers use old-fashioned techniques and careful selection of saplings from healthy trees.
- Strict Quality Standards: The Japanese government ensures the mango meets stringent criteria such as weight, size, sugar content, and appearance.
- Hand-Picked Harvesting: Mangoes are hand-picked at the perfect time to ensure they are ripe and ready to eat.
Success Stories in India
Farmers across India have embraced the challenge of growing this Unique Mango Variety. Notable examples include:
- Joseph Lobo from Udupi, Karnataka: Transformed his rooftop into a garden for Miyazaki mangoes.
- Sankalp Singh Parihar from Madhya Pradesh: Grows these mangoes in his orchard in Jabalpur, describing the fruit as “like jelly” with a pulp that melts in the mouth.
- A teacher from Kandulguda Village of Kalahandi district in Odisha, too succeeded in growing this special variety of mango.
#WATCH | Odisha: A teacher from Kandulguda Village of Kalahandi district, succeeded in growing a special variety of mango called as 'Miyazaki' which costs Rs 2.5 lakhs to 3 lakhs per kg in the international market for its unique taste. (26.07) pic.twitter.com/c1Nb2P85uc
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2023
Health Benefits
Miyazaki mangoes are rich in essential vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C: Supports a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin A: Promotes good vision and skin health.
- Dietary Fibre: Aids digestion and contributes to a healthy gut.
- Antioxidants: Help protect against oxidative stress and promote overall well-being.
Conclusion
The exotic Mango Variety, Miyazaki, stands out not only for its exquisite taste and vibrant appearance but also for the meticulous cultivation process and strict quality standards that justify its premium price. As more farmers in India successfully grow this variety, its presence in the market is likely to increase, making it a noteworthy addition to the country’s rich mango heritage.
