The interviews and reporting for this story were conducted in May 2024.

For Subrat Nath, going on a shopping spree equals visiting plant nurseries. He considers this as one of the most upbeat activities for him. On one such trip, the florist there introduced him to a sapling that was said to produce the world’s costliest mangoes – Miyazaki!

“The rare mango is native to Miyazaki city in Japan. It has a violet-red colour and is comparatively sweeter, juicier, and larger than other mango varieties, including the famous Alphonso mangoes. I was so fascinated by it,” he tells The Better India.

The fruit has an unusual appearance like an egg, which is why it is also known as the ‘Eggs of Sun.’

Surprisingly, these mangoes are sold at Rs 2.5 lakh per kg in the international market. Subrat cites their medicinal properties for their exorbitant price.

A 2021 research article points out that these mangoes – botanically classified as Mangifera Indica – have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Its consumption may potentially be beneficial in breast cancer management.

Inspired, Subrat came home with the sapling and decided to grow it.

After two years of care, the sapling has now grown into a........

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