The Black Watermelon

A jumbo black watermelon that was auctioned in Japan fetched a record $6,100, making it one of the most expensive watermelons ever sold in that country.

The 17-pound, black-skinned Densuke watermelon, a variety grown only on the northern island of Hokkaido, was purchased by a marine products dealer who said that he wanted to support local agriculture.

In a society where melons are a luxury item commonly given as gifts, the watermelon's hefty price tag followed another jaw-dropping auction last month, when a pair of Yubari cantaloupe melons sold for a record $23,500.

And what makes a watermelon worth $200, much less $6,000?

One commentator says it's the unusual black skin and unparalleled taste. "It's a watermelon, but it's not the same," he said.