The World’s Most Expensive Mango: Discovering the Miyazaki Marvel

If you’ve ever wondered what the most luxurious fruit experience might taste like, look no further than Japan’s Miyazaki mango. Nicknamed “Egg of the Sun” (or Taiyo-no-Tamago in Japanese), these extraordinary fruits are cultivated with an unmatched level of care, making them one of the most expensive mango varieties in the world. At around $50 apiece—and sometimes much more—Miyazaki mangoes command attention. But what makes them so special? And are they really worth the price?

What Are Miyazaki Mangoes?

Miyazaki mangoes are instantly recognizable for their size, color, and decadent sweetness. Each mango weighs at least 350 grams, and their stunning deep red-to-purple hue has also earned them the nickname "dragon’s eggs." But it’s what’s inside that truly sets them apart. Beneath the vibrant skin lies a vivid golden-yellow flesh that is intensely sweet, juicy, and nearly free of fiber. The texture is creamy and smooth—so much so that a bite almost dissolves in your mouth. They’re not just mangoes—they're an experience.

The Origins of Miyazaki Mangoes

Interestingly, Miyazaki mangoes have roots far from Japan. They’re a cultivar of the 'Irwin' mango, which was first developed in Florida in the 1940s. In the U.S., Irwin mangoes are widely available and relatively inexpensive. But in the 1980s, Japanese farmers began cultivating them in Miyazaki City, Kyushu Prefecture, and quickly realized they could enhance the fruit’s quality through extremely meticulous farming techniques. The result? A premium mango that took on a character all its own—one that soon became a symbol of prestige in Japanese gift-giving culture.

How Are Miyazaki Mangoes Grown?

The cultivation process of Miyazaki mangoes is as refined as the fruit itself. Grown exclusively in Miyazaki City in southern Japan, the climate provides ideal conditions for citrus and tropical fruits—fertile volcanic soil, ample sunlight, warm temperatures, and high humidity.

But Miyazaki mangoes are not left to grow wild in orchards. Instead, they’re raised inside temperature-controlled greenhouses where conditions are carefully managed year-round. These indoor environments protect the fruit from pests and ensure that temperature, humidity, and sunlight are optimized at every stage of growth.

The Art of Selection and Pruning

To maximize fruit quality, farmers prune the trees extensively and make early decisions about which fruits to keep. Up to 80% of young mango buds are removed from each tree, allowing the remaining fruit to receive the full benefit of the plant’s nutrients. This process encourages each mango to grow larger, sweeter, and more flavorful.

Hanging Fruits and Reflecting Sunshine

When the fruits are still small, each one is gently wrapped in a protective net, which is then suspended from an overhead wire system within the greenhouse. This setup isn’t just to support the growing fruit’s weight—it plays a critical role in the fruit’s development.

As the mango ripens, Miyazaki’s abundant sunshine hits the fruit evenly from all angles, thanks to strategically placed reflectors beneath each mango. This light exposure helps to develop the fruit’s signature deep red color consistently across its skin.

Nature Does the Harvesting

In one of the more unique aspects of their cultivation, Miyazaki mangoes are not harvested by hand in the traditional sense. Instead, farmers wait for the fruit to fall naturally from the tree—an indicator that it has reached peak ripeness. The netting cradles the mango, cushioning its fall and preventing bruising.

Before heading to market, each mango undergoes rigorous testing for weight, sugar content, shape, and appearance. Only the best of the best are selected for auction or export.

Why Are Miyazaki Mangoes So Expensive?

Part of what makes Miyazaki mangoes so valuable is the extraordinary labor and attention to detail involved in producing them. Everything from hand-pruning to greenhouse management and precise harvesting contributes to their rarity and quality.

Their growing season peaks between April and August. Once harvested, the highest-grade mangoes are sent to fruit auctions where they can fetch eye-watering prices. While the average price is about $50 per fruit, some have sold for as much as $2,000 at auction—particularly when perfectly shaped and paired as a gift set.

The Cultural Value of Fruit in Japan

In Japan, fruit often carries a deeper meaning than just a snack or dessert. High-quality, beautifully packaged fruits like Miyazaki mangoes are common gifts for formal occasions—such as weddings, business deals, or celebrations of major life milestones. Presentation is key: these mangoes are typically nestled in elaborately designed boxes lined with soft cushioning, ensuring they arrive in pristine condition.

How to Eat a Miyazaki Mango

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a Miyazaki mango outside of Japan, the best way to enjoy it is with reverence and care. Here's how to cut and serve it:

1. Slice off both sides just off-center from the pit.

2. Score the flesh in a grid pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.

3. Flip the mango halves inside out, so the cubes fan out for easy eating.

4. Use a spoon to scoop out the luscious pieces and enjoy their legendary sweetness.

Some enthusiasts also pair them with lightly whipped cream or use them to top desserts, but most agree that the best way to experience a Miyazaki mango is simply on its own.

How to Try Miyazaki Mangoes

For the most part, Miyazaki mangoes aren’t purchased to eat as a casual snack. Japan is a nation of gift givers, so expensive fruits like these are often given at formal occasions and to mark business arrangements. For this reason, the mangoes are packaged beautifully in intricately designed boxes with soft cushioning to make sure they’re a perfectly suitable gift. 

If you get your hands on a Miyazaki mango in the US, there are a few ways to go about eating it. Cut straight through the mango off center, a few millimeters from the stem. Slice evenly into four pieces, then flip the pieces flesh side up. Score horizontally and vertically so the squares fan out. Then enjoy your first taste of these infamous mangoes! 

For an easier way to try, why not check out the delicious Japanese Miyazaki mango snacks on offer at Bokksu?