Unique Japanese Square Watermelons

Nothing beats some cold, sweet watermelon on a warm day. Japan is known for growing some of the most delicious watermelons in the world, especially the square watermelon.  An agricultural cooperative from Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture, can grow about 600 cube-shaped watermelons that can cost as much as 15,750 yen (around $157).

The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus, family Cucurbitaceae), is a flowering, vine-like plant that originated in southern Africa. The watermelon fruit (also called a watermelon), which botanists refer to as a berry, is also a type of melon with a fleshy center and a thick rind. Watermelons contain about 91% water  and 6% sugar.

Benefits of watermelons

Watermelons are a source of vitamin C and of citrulline, an amino acid that helps in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies also indicate that citrulline relaxes the blood vessels, and circulation of this amino acid in humans is a biomarker for effective intestinal health. The watermelon rind is also edible. It contains a lot of nutrients, is sometimes stir-fried as a vegetable dish, and is even pickled. Watermelons are a mild diuretic and are abundant in carotenoids and lycopene, and consuming the fruits may have anti-hypertensive effects.

How to grow a square watermelon

Growing a square watermelon is not as difficult as you may think. You can start out by planting a few seeds in a big pot with rich soil. As soon as they start to grow, pick out the healthiest vine and discard the weakest ones so that all the nourishment from the soil will be absorbed by the healthiest to create the best fruit. Wait for the blossom to grow. To mold the fruit into a square, you can use a cinder block or a plastic square mold, preferably a transparent one to enable sunlight to penetrate into the watermelon. Once the fruit has molded and grown into a square, you can remove it from the cinder block or plastic mold and allow it to fully grow.

The Japanese thought of growing square watermelons so they would be easier to stack and transport, as well to maximize refrigerator space in a Japanese household. You don’t have to stop at growing only square watermelons. You can try all kinds of other shapes, from a triangle to heart shape. Let your imagination run wild and enjoy the fruits of your labor.