A single cherry of the Yamagata Benio variety, cultivated in the Yamagata prefecture in Japan, was sold at auction for 100,000 yen, equivalent to about 600 euros. The news was announced by local authorities, who specified that the fruit auctioned at the Ota market in Tokyo belongs to a new type of cherries, known for their impressive size and high quality.
This cherry, of category 5L, has a diameter between 34 and 37 millimeters and was presented in a refined box made of Paulownia wood, a precious material used for musical instruments and luxury finishes.
The grower responsible for this 100,000 yen cherry is Yoshimi Kanehira, a 76-year-old farmer from the city of Tendo, who was already the winner of the competition for the largest fruit in the prefecture last year.
Benio cherries, although having a sugar content comparable to that of other premium varieties, are distinguished by a lower acidity and firmer flesh, which extends their shelf life.
Additionally, the cherry trees are cultivated in a particular way, growing the trees in a Y shape to optimize sunlight exposure. The soil is enriched with natural fertilizers, including Moringa extract, known for its richness in essential nutrients and drought resistance, and Tamogi mushrooms, appreciated for their antioxidant properties and use in cosmetics.
18 Feb 2025
The implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and responsible handling of plant protection products were key factors for a significant increase in both productivity and quality of the cherries.
24 Jul 2024
‘Our company has been granted exclusive propagation rights in the US for the KIR™ series of sweet cherries,’ reports Kevin Brandt. Three of the most advanced selections have already been branded with the trade names KIR Rosso®, KIR Lamour® and KIR Vulcano®.
11 Apr 2025
From snowy Montana comes the new “FE” cherry, cold-hardy to -45°C and ideal for pies, wine, preserves, and fresh eating. Backed by 60 years of family-driven selection, it’s now available from HoneyberryUSA, a leader in American cold-hardy fruit farming.
11 Apr 2025
The Purbach Spätbraune cherry is a rare variety from Burgenland, Austria, prized for its sweetness and low acidity. Cultivated in historic vineyards, it is now at risk of extinction. Find out about its unique characteristics and why it should be protected.
