Sato Nishiki cherries from Japan reach record auction prices

Sato Nishiki cherries from Yamagata Prefecture in northeastern Japan have reached record prices, with a box selling for 1.8 million yen (approximately 11,500 USD) at an auction earlier this year. This equates to roughly 166 USD per individual cherry.

These high-end cherries are grown using intensive agricultural methods. They are cultivated in specialized greenhouses that simulate cold winters to control temperatures precisely. The cultivation process involves meticulous care, including pruning weak branches and buds, thinning flowers in April to prevent overcrowding on branches, and using honeybees for pollination.

To ensure optimal quality, farmers use reflective sheets under the trees to provide light to both the top and bottom of the fruit. The cherries, which feature a bright red skin and a sugar content of 16-20 Brix, are harvested by hand between mid and late June when they reach peak sweetness and minimal acidity.