Two melon varieties the famous "Yubari" was sold on Thursday in Japan for the first time in history the amount of 3 million yen (more than $27 thousand). It was the result of the auction, which took place at the Central market of the city of Sapporo, the administrative centre of the North island of Hokkaido in the country. The previous record was set in 2008 and amounted to 2.5 million yen - more than $22.7 thousand at the current rate.

Melon-record-holders was acquired by the owner of the supermarket in the city of Amagasaki in the South-West of the main Japanese island of Honshu. He intends initially to decorate the window of his shop, and then put up for online auction.

In Japan, auctions are held regularly expensive fruit and vegetables gourmet. Last year, for example, a couple of mangoes from the plantations of the southern Prefecture of Miyazaki was sold for $2,5 thousand Such large sums usually make the store owners who put up fruit for advertising purposes as a symbol of the solidity of the institution.

Melon "Yubari" - an absolute record for the prices paid for them at auction. They have a circular shape and are characterized by specific green crust from forming a complex pattern embossed yellowish streaks. Orange flesh of these melons are valued for delicate harmonious taste and a distinctive sweet flavor.

The city of Yubari in Hokkaido is now considered the "melon capital" of Japan, although even half a century ago, there were only coal mines in which generations worked almost all the local male population. Later the mining industry has lost profitability, and the mine was closed. The municipality of Yubari then almost went bankrupt, but managed to get out of the problems, turning the countryside to the center of mass attract tourists, what is the glory of local melons played a significant role.