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Old 03-16-2013, 10:45 AM   #2548
Stitchawl
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Posts: 12,344
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wannabee View Post
Okay, that's pretty scary. Now tell me it's all relative and wages over there are astronomical.
Sorry to say that these prices are correct... but out of context. Most people don't eat these. These particular fruits are chosen to be given as 'gifts.' They are 'perfect looking' fruit with no blemishes and just the correct amount of vine attached. To qualify, the melons must have a vertical stem 2cm tall, with a 4cm cross bar on top. If the rest of the fruit is perfect, that melon might sell for $100 USD. (Without the stem that same melon would sell for about $15.) Perfect apples, again with the stem attached (even wrapped in foam to protect it from falling off) will sell for $5 each. They will 'look' like the archetype for the name 'apple.' Same with grapes, peaches, and persimmon. I've seen Mangos selling for $20 each.

However... the 'taste' of these might be just a bit more lively than you pillow. Often no flavor at all. It's said that 'The Japanese Eat with their Eyes.' These are gifts, and are often used by the recipients as alter offerings rather than dinner desserts. Fruits IS more expensive in Japan than in the West, but if you buy in season, it's not too bad. We had a punnet of strawberries for dessert tonight that cost about $3. Yesterday's pineapple cost about $2. A bag of about 6 'normal' apples runs $3-$4 depending on the variety. More expensive than in Vermont, where we would buy a shopping bag full for $4, but for Japan, it's a good price. The melon we ate last week cost about $3. No stem and some blemishes on the skin, but sweet as any I've ever eaten.


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