So Expensive Season 3 Episode 2 Why Japanese Melons Are So Expensive

In the second episode of the third season of So Expensive, the host delves into the world of Japanese melons to uncover the reasons behind their astronomical prices. Japanese melons are known to be some of the most expensive fruits in the world, with a single melon sometimes costing up to $10,000. This episode of So Expensive takes a closer look at what makes these melons so special and why they are so highly sought after.

The episode opens with a brief history of Japanese melons and their cultural significance in Japan. Melons have been grown in Japan for centuries, and they hold a special place in Japanese cuisine and culture. In fact, giving someone a perfectly round, perfectly ripe melon is considered a gesture of great respect and friendship.

The host then meets with a farmer who specializes in growing Japanese melons. He gives the host a tour of his greenhouse and explains the meticulous process that goes into growing these melons. The farmer emphasizes the importance of controlling every aspect of the growing process, from the temperature and humidity levels to the amount of light the plants receive. He explains that this level of care and attention is what sets Japanese melons apart from other melons.

Next, the host visits a high-end fruit store in Tokyo where he observes the melons on display. The store specializes in selling luxury fruits, including Japanese melons. The host speaks with the store owner, who explains the various factors that contribute to the high cost of these melons. One factor is the limited growing season of Japanese melons, which makes them more scarce than other types of fruit. Additionally, each melon is carefully inspected and graded based on factors such as shape, color, and sugar content, which can dramatically affect its price.

The host then speaks with a food scientist who explains the unique flavor profile of Japanese melons. She describes them as being incredibly sweet and fragrant, with a subtle but distinct flavor that sets them apart from other melons. She also explains that the high sugar content of Japanese melons is due in part to their growing conditions, which allow them to develop more slowly and fully than other types of melons.

Throughout the episode, the host emphasizes the cultural significance of Japanese melons and their role in Japanese society. He notes that the high cost of these melons is not just due to their taste or rarity, but also to the cultural value placed on them in Japan. Giving someone a Japanese melon is seen as a gesture of great respect and generosity, making them a highly prized gift item.

Overall, this episode of So Expensive provides a fascinating look at the world of Japanese melons and the factors that contribute to their sky-high prices. Through interviews with farmers, fruit sellers, and experts in the field, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and culinary significance of these prized fruits, as well as the scientific and agricultural processes that make them so special.