A Taste of Luxury: Japanese Crown Melons at HMart
Japanese crown melons, revered in agricultural circles as “the king of fruits,” are now available at HMart’s Upper West Side store for a special price of $130, down from $160.
Shoppers should act quickly, as only four melons were left in stock at the store on Thursday, located at 210 Amsterdam Ave.
These muskmelons, also called Shizuoka crown melons, are cultivated in Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture and are sold in elegant black gift boxes adorned with gold lettering. They are displayed in lucite containers inside the supermarket.
Renowned for their exceptional sweetness, delicate flavor, and smooth texture, these unique melons are said to practically dissolve upon tasting.
This product ranks among the highest-priced fruits in New York City.
Each melon features a T-shaped stem, indicating its growth method of “one tree, one fruit.” This technique allows just one melon to develop on the vine, ensuring it absorbs all the nutrients from the plant.
Their cultivation demands meticulous care. Growers must carefully monitor temperature, humidity, and watering schedules.
Before they can be labeled as crown melons, each fruit must meet rigorous standards for flavor, sweetness, appearance, and ripeness.
These luxurious melons are not only a treat but are also a good source of potassium along with vitamins A and C. They begin to ripen post-harvest and should be kept at room temperature until consumption, requiring refrigeration for 2 to 3 hours prior to eating.
Typically, these light green fruits weigh around 3.3 pounds, measuring larger than a bocce ball but smaller than a bowling ball.
Butterfield Market, located on Lexington Ave between 77th and 78th streets, usually stocks these premium melons but is currently sold out. A fresh shipment is expected later this month.
When available, this market sees sales of an average of 36 melons each week, according to manager Ken Williams.
“It’s quite a commitment to pay that much for fruit,” remarked Dr. Loulia Gourari, 35, who visited HMart this week. “It’s an exquisite gift for someone hard to shop for.”
Additionally, Jōji NY, a sushi restaurant in One Vanderbilt, also features this luxurious melon on its menu.
At HMart, the price for these melons presents a more economical option compared to various online retailers.
They can be purchased through Ikigai Fruits at $177 (including delivery) and can be pre-ordered via Melissa’s Produce for $159, excluding delivery fees.
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