Prized grapes sell for ¥1.1m in Japan

A bunch of prized ‘Ruby Roman’ grapes has gone for a record breaking price of ¥1.1m at auction – equalling around £270 per grape.

Grapes of lust: The prized Ruby Roman

Grown in Ishikawa prefecture, the grape variety Ruby Roman is highly sought after in Japan where the humble fruit is considered a status symbol. According to the Guardian, each grape is around the size of a ping-pong ball and the bunch was snapped up by a store owner in western Japan.

Seasonal fruit is much prized in Japan by those ‘seeking social prestige’ or by shopkeepers hoping to entice wealthy customers. Last year, a bunch of Ruby Romans went for ¥1m.

“These are truly Ruby Roman gems,” said the winning bidder, Takamaru Konishi.

“We will display them at our store before giving our customers a sample taste,” he added.

Ruby Roman grapes were first cultivated from the Fujiminori variety in 1992 with the first grapes going on sale in 2008. In order to be considered Ruby Roman, the grapes must weigh at least 20g and have a sugar content of at least 18%.

However grapes have been pipped to the post by the true king of fruits in Japan – the melon – that is akin, apparently, to a vintage wine in status. Two melons fetched ¥1.5m at auction last year – so forget Apple Pay, maybe it should be Melon Pay(s)?