Crate of Special Japanese Oranges Sells for $9,600 at Auction

A crate containing 100 oranges has been sold for one million yen (more than $9,600) at an auction in Japan.

Some fancy fruit: The still-unnamed bidder purchased a 20-kilogram (44-pound) crate of Japanese mandarins (mikan) at the Ota Market in Tokyo where the popular citrus species was auctioned off for the first time this year on Thursday, CNN reported.

A semi-seedless citrus species of the satsuma mandarin oranges are produced in the region of Nishiuwa in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku island.
Nishiuwa mandarins are sought after for its rich, sweet flavors with a texture that melts in the mouth.
Hinomaru, which is among Nishiuwa’s leading mikan brands, is the most expensive in the market as they are produced in limited areas, with only about 100 farmers producing it.
“It’s a mikan that is grown with so-called three suns — the actual sun, the reflected light from the sea and the reflected light from the stone walls of the terraced fields,” said Shin Asai, a representative from JA Nishiuwa’s sales department.
Normally, 10 kilograms (22 pounds) worth of this high-end mandarin costs around 7,800 Japanese yen (or $75).

Starting high: The Nishiuwa agricultural association revealed that the unusually high bid for the crate was a “celebratory price,” marking the start of the mikan season.

“Since the quality of the fruit of each year is evaluated at the first auction, it will greatly affect the subsequent sales,” Asai was quoted as saying.
Last year, a supermarket purchased the oranges at a high price as a form of publicity for the store.
This is why Asai believes the new high bidder may reveal their identity soon.

Feature Image via PR Times

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