Two luxury melons in Japan sell for over $15,000 at auction

Two cantaloupes in Japan were sold at auction for a jaw-dropping 1.6 million yen or just over $15,000.

The buyer, a local fruit wholesaler, likely figures he can flip the luxurious fruits for even more.

The sale of the 8-pound Yubari King melons at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market represent not only a desire for prestige but also the cult of fruit in Japan, said AFP.

This week was the first harvest of the prized cantaloupe.

The cost of the two melons were only the third-highest price ever paid for them.

In 2008, another pair sold for over $25,000.

Yubari melons are hyper-luxurious spheres with an evenly-patterned skin and a juicy orange interior.

They are produced only in a town with the same name and are apparently a hybrid of the Spicy Cantaloupe and Earl’s Favorite – two other varieties.

Japan is notorious for the price of its fruit and veg.

Here's a guide on how to eat and care for a melon that costs more than some cars.