Summer in India is synonymous to mangoes. Known as the ‘king of fruit’, this tropical fruit is the common man’s delight — eaten by almost everyone raw or in the form of a dessert, drink, chutney or curry. Usually, mangoes cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200 per kg during the season, but a Japanese variety of the fruit grown in some parts of the country costs Rs 2.5 lakh per kg.
The Miyazaki mangoes grown in some farms in India is one of the most famous fruits found in Japan. It was showcased during a mango festival in Siliguri and Raipur last year.
According to the National Horticulture Board, India produces 1,500 varieties of mangoes every summer. But Miyazaki is rarely seen in the country.
Origin of Miyazaki
The Miyazaki mango originates from the Miyazaki city in Japan’s Kyushu province and dates back to the 1980s when a group of researchers from the Miyazaki University developed the fruit in collaboration with the local farmers. But some reports suggest that an earlier variety existed as long ago as in 1870 during the Meiji period in Japan’s history.
Researchers used old-fashioned techniques to create the mango, which would grow well in the climate and soil of Miyazaki. The mango not only tasted good but also had a longer shelf life.
In Japan, it is called Taiyo-No-Tamago, which means Egg of the Sun, due to its egg-like shape and bright colour. These mangoes are generally cultivated during the peak harvest period between April and August. Unlike regular green or yellow mangoes, the skin of Miyazaki mango turns from purple to flaming red when ripe.
What Makes It So Expensive?
According to a Business Insider report, mangoes farmed in Miyazaki are from the Irwin mango variety, a type often referred to as “apple mango” as they turn red when ripe.
Some nutritionists say the unique cultivation techniques employed to grow Miyazaki make it expensive. The mango is grown in a region with ideal conditions, which includes a warm climate, fertile soil and access to clean water. This results in a fruit that is larger, sweeter and juicier than other mango varieties, said Bhavisha Khuman, Nutritionist & Dietician, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Additionally, the mangoes are hand-picked at the perfect time to ensure they are ripe and ready to eat, which results in a superior flavour and texture, Khuman explained.
The Japanese government ensures that the environment in which the mango is grown is highly regulated so that the fruit meets strict quality standards before being sold. This includes criteria such as weight, size, sugar content, and appearance, which further increases the cost of the fruit.
Mangoes with the highest sugar content, weighing at least 350 grams with perfect, unblemished skin are considered the best quality of Miyazaki.
In 2019, a pair of premium mangoes from Miyazaki Prefecture fetched a record ¥500,000 (INR 3,34,845) at a local wholesale market breaking the previous best of ¥400,000, The Japan Times reported.
Cultivation Techniques Used in India
In India, Miyazaki mangoes were first grown by some farmers in Odisha and Bihar. They imported saplings from Japan. But due to its exorbitant price, there were few buyers of the mango. Initially, the price was about Rs 10,000/ kg for the homegrown Miyazaki. Later, orchard owners in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also began cultivating these mangoes and the prices came down. But some say the taste and texture of the Indian variety is not the same as the original Japanese ones.
The cultivation of Miyazaki mangoes requires exceptional skill, patience, and attention to detail. The cultivation begins with the careful selection of the finest mango saplings from healthy mother trees. With meticulous care and nurture in nutrient-rich soil, the saplings develop robust root systems. Additionally, farmers employ grafting techniques to preserve the genetic purity of the Miyazaki mango, guaranteeing that each fruit embodies its distinct characteristics, as per a report by CNBCTV18.
Success Stories in India
A farmer in Udupi in Karnataka has transformed his 1,200 square foot rooftop terrace into a lush garden where he grows Miyazaki mangoes. Joseph Lobo began cultivating the mangoes in 2023 but it was not a success due to unfavourable climate conditions. But this year, his labour bore fruit.
Not just Miyazaki mangoes, Lobo has a vibrant ecosystem of exotic plants and fruits including white Java plums, Brazilian cherries, a rare Taiwanese orange and popular Shankarpura jasmine. He is recognised as the first hydroponic farmer in Karnataka to cultivate jasmine using hydroponic techniques, as mentioned in a report by moneycontrol.com.
A couple in Madhya Pradesh were in news for growing the fruit in their orchard in Jabalpur. They said the fruits is “like jelly”. “You can eat it along with its peel. The pulp just melts in the mouth and is exceptionally sweet,” said Sankalp Singh Parihar, the mango grower, as quoted by The Indian Express.
According to Madhya Pradesh agricultural department joint director KS Netam, who visited the Parihars’ orchard, as reported by The Indian Express, said these mangoes should be grown in a poly greenhouse to get premium quality and maximum production.
Benefits of Miyazaki Mango
The mangoes are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A and dietary fibre. Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system, while vitamin A promotes good vision and skin health. The fibre content aids digestion and contributes to a healthy gut. They also contain antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress and promote overall well-being, as per dieticians.