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November 6, 2024 | 06:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ruby Roman grapes, renowned as the world's most expensive, are mostly sold at prices around US$10,000 per bunch. This extraordinary value reflects their exceptional taste and rarity.
Let’s take a closer look at Ruby Roman grapes from their origins to their tiered classification as cited from Japanese Taste and Reporter Gourmet.
The History of Ruby Roman Grapes
Historically, grapes have been widely sold throughout the Japanese market. In Ishikawa, farmers and the government have been involved in the grape market, using it as a source of income.
However, they felt that existing varieties, such as Delaware and Kyoho, lacked the distinctiveness to truly stand out. To address this, they decided to develop a new kind of grape with a cross-breeding method. In 2008, the Ruby Roman grape was born, subsequently earning the title of the world's most expensive grape.
Where Did Ruby Roman Grapes Grow?
Created in Ishikawa 16 years ago, Ruby Roman grapes remain a rare delicacy as they can only be exclusively cultivated in their birthplace.
These grapes thrive in carefully controlled greenhouse environments, where precise monitoring of moisture and temperature is essential for optimal growth and quality. Today, the cultivation of Ruby Roman grapes is concentrated in cities such as Kaga, Komatsu, Kanazawa, Kohaku, Hakui, and Hodatsu-shimizu Town.
Why Are Ruby Roman Grapes So Expensive?
The exorbitant price tag associated with Ruby Roman grapes can be attributed to several factors, including their rarity, labor-intensive cultivation, and stringent quality standards.
Cultivated exclusively in Ishikawa Prefecture since its inception, Ruby Roman’s growing process is highly labor-intensive, requiring farmers to carefully reshape the grapes and adjust lighting conditions to ensure optimal growth.
Even after harvest, these grapes cannot be sold immediately, they must meet three rigorous criteria:
Weight: Each grape must weigh approximately 20 grams (0.7 oz).
Sugar Content: Each grape must have a minimum sugar content of 18 degrees Brix.
- Color: The grapes must match a specific color chart, ensuring a uniform appearance.
The Tiers of Ruby Roman Grapes
Known for having a fruity, green, sweet, and aromatic taste, Ruby Roman grapes are categorized into five tiers, each reflecting specific quality standards:
Superior: The cluster has an excellent shape, and each grape weighs 20 grams or more.
Superior G: The cluster has an excellent shape, and each grape weighs 30 grams or more.
Special Superior: The bunch shows excellent quantity and uniformity, with each grape weighing 20 grams or more.
Special Superior G: The bunch shows excellent quantity and uniformity, with each grape weighing 30 grams or more.
Premium: Grapes are of outstanding quality and appearance, with each grape weighing 30 grams or more, and each bunch weighing 700 grams or more.
Where Can You Buy Ruby Roman Grapes?
Ruby Roman grapes can be purchased both online and in person channels. For international shoppers, Pacific Wild Pick offers online shipping options. Within Japan, reputable fruit vendors like Sakaida Fruits or Horitaare are highly recommended for online purchases. If you happen to be in Ishikawa, the best way to get the world's most expensive grapes is by visiting local fruit shops.
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