Australia has been galvanised by ‘melon-gate’. So what is the luxury fruit at the centre of the PM’s controversy?
Summary
The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, made a joke about an expensive melon gift from Japan’s prime minister, which sparked controversy in Australia. The melon, a Shizuoka Crown melon, is a prized luxury fruit in Japan that represents respect and good wishes, part of a special fruit-gifting culture not common in Australia.Key Facts
- The melons in the controversy are Shizuoka Crown melons from Japan.
- These melons cost between $50 and $150 each, making them a luxury item.
- They are hand-patted during growing to create a perfect shape and high sweetness.
- Only one melon is grown per vine to increase sugar and nutrients.
- In Japan, gifting these melons shows respect and hopes for health and wealth.
- Fruit gifting is less common in Australia, where fruit is seen as an everyday product.
- Japanese melons are seasonal and special, unlike the year-round availability of similar melons in Australia.
- Japan allowed fresh melon imports to Australia in early 2024, except from Okinawa prefecture.
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