Check out those melons!
Known as the “King of Fruits,” Japan’s crown melons have made a name for themselves in the agricultural community and are currently priced at $130, down from an original $160, at Hmart on Amsterdam Ave.
I was hurrying through the store on Thursday, as there weren’t many left to choose from.
These Musk melons, specifically the Shizuoka Crown variety from Shizuoka Prefecture, come elegantly packaged in black gift boxes with golden text. Inside the supermarket, they are displayed in a Lucite case.
These large, luxurious melons are celebrated for their unmatched sweetness, delicate flavors, and smooth texture. Enthusiasts claim that biting into a Japanese crown melon feels like it’s melting in your mouth.
They rank among the priciest fruits in New York City.
Each melon features a T-shaped stem, which indicates a growth method known as “one tree, one fruit.” Essentially, each tree produces just one melon, allowing all of the plant’s nutrients to focus on that single fruit.
Growing these melons requires near-constant attention to factors like temperature, humidity, and even the amount of water they drink.
To earn the coveted crown seal, melons must meet stringent criteria concerning flavor, sugar content, appearance, and ripeness.
Dr. Lulia Gruli, who wasn’t quite sure about leaving a melon behind, points out the value of these fruits.
Rich in potassium and vitamins A and C, they start ripening right after harvest and must stay at room temperature until you’re ready to eat. Even then, it’s recommended to chill them for a couple of hours before enjoying.
Typically, these melons weigh about 3.3 pounds—heavier than a bocce ball, yet lighter than a bowling ball.
Butterfield Market, located between 77th and 78th Avenues, also sells these melons but is currently out of stock. They’re expected to get a fresh shipment soon.
The market usually sells about 36 melons each week when they are available, according to manager Ken Williams.
“It’s quite a bold move to spend that much on fruit,” said Dr. Gruli, 35. “But it makes for a fantastic gift for someone who seems to have everything.”
These melons can also be enjoyed at Joji NY, a sushi restaurant at One Vanderbilt.
On Wednesday, Hmart had just four of these delicious melons left.
Prices at HMART are relatively reasonable when compared to some online retailers that will deliver these premier fruits right to your door.
Ikigai Fruit offers them for $177 each and next-day delivery is available through Melissa’s Produce for pre-orders.
