Japanese Muskmelons: A Cut Above the Ordinary

Muskmelon is the star of this jellied dessert. (© Kodera Kei)

Takano’s best-selling muskmelon parfait. (© Kodera Kei)

The Muskmelon Shop at Shinjuku Takano (top). An expert taps on the bottom of a melon to gauge its ripeness (bottom left). A ¥16,200 gift melon (bottom right). (© Kodera Kei)

Only one pampered Crown melon is permitted to grow on each plant.

Glass-clad greenhouses are carefully designed to make optimum use of solar radiation.

1. After pruning, each plant is left with just one egg-sized baby melon. 2. Each melon is wrapped in paper. 3. Chūjō feels the bottom of the melon to gauge its ripeness. 4. Inspected melons await shipment.