Most fruits trace their origins to the warm tropical regions of the world, where the climate is conducive to a wide variety of fruit-bearing plants. The purpose of fruit is primarily reproductive, designed to protect and nourish the plant's seeds and facilitate their dispersal through mechanisms involving wind, water, or animals. There are over 70,000 different species of plants bearing fruits with only a fraction of these familiar to the global market or considered widely edible. Edible fruits number around two thousand. The top five most cultivated fruits worldwide, measured by production in million metric tons, are tomatoes (182 million), bananas (115.74 million), watermelons (103.97 million), apples (86.14 million), and oranges (75.54 million). China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico are the top fruit producers​​.
Among the most expensive fruits, several stand out for their extraordinary prices and unique characteristics:
Ruby Roman Grapes - A bunch of these grapes, known for their sweetness and low acidity, can sell for prices ranging significantly, with a single bunch reaching up to $12,000 at auction. They are grown exclusively in Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture and are highly prized for their size, flavor, and the meticulous inspection they undergo before sale​​.

Densuke Watermelon - Priced between $250 to $6,000 each, these watermelons are known for their unique sweet flavor and few seeds. They are grown in small quantities on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, and come with a certificate of origin to guarantee authenticity​​.

Taiyo No Tamago Mangoes - These mangoes, also known as the "Egg of the Sun," can fetch prices ranging from $50 to $3,600 each. They are celebrated for their high sugar content and beautiful coloring, ranging from deep orange to purple​​.

Square Watermelon - These uniquely shaped watermelons can cost between $100 and $800, originally developed in Japan to make them easier to stack and store​​.

Bijin-hime Strawberries - At the top end of the price spectrum, these strawberries, translating to "beautiful princess," can reach up to $1,993 per pound. They are known for being juicier, sweeter, and more fragrant than other strawberries and are cultivated in Japan with meticulous care​​.