Kazuo Kurosaki - Own work
Photo - © Kazuo Kurosaki - Own work / Wikipedia.org
The Shine Muscat grape variety from Japan somehow (without the consent of the Japanese) got to South Korea and China. It was the Koreans who were the first to produce this grape for export, which is why the name "Korean" stuck to it. It is called jade because of its color. And the grape became popular first of all in China.
Now these two countries supply the berry to many countries at a reasonable price. Thus, the Land of the Rising Sun annually loses about 70 million US dollars in royalties for its unique variety. The thing is that initially Shine Muscat was not intended for export, so agrobiologists were not in a hurry to obtain a patent. However, according to the requirements of the International Union for the Protection of New Plants (UPOV), each newly bred plant must obtain a license outside the country of oman mobile database origin within six years of domestic registration. Thus, having failed to complete the necessary paperwork by 2012, Japan lost the right to receive royalties.
This grape variety is supplied to Russia mainly from China.
Why are Shine Muscat grapes so expensive?
In Japan, you will have to pay a lot for a kilogram of Shine Muscat grapes – the price range is about 30-80 US dollars. It is often purchased as a gift for some holiday. What is the reason for such a cost? In the quality of the product and its taste properties. In addition, it is also an aesthetically attractive grape, and this means a lot in Eastern culture.
In Korea, grapes will cost you less – 12-25 dollars per kilogram. It is most profitable to buy them in China – for only 2-5 dollars per kilogram. In Russia, grapes are considered premium, and their price is on average 600-700 rubles per kilogram.
The Japanese variety is considered to have a crispier skin. However, the Korean version surpasses all in aroma: the berries have a strong floral-fruity smell. The Chinese muscat has a thicker skin, a more neutral aroma, and a less sweet taste, sometimes with a sour or astringent tint.