Why watermelon is square in Japan?
Why watermelon is square in Japan?
The idea of growing square watermelons began in Japan. Japanese farmers needed to find a way to work out the issue of traditionally round watermelons being too awkward by rolling around or taking up too much space in the refrigerator. The square watermelons are grown in glass boxes, which encourage the cubed shape.
How much is a square watermelon from Japan?
This is definitely one of the more crazy facts on the 63 mad facts about Japan blog post that I wrote about a while ago….What makes Japanese fruit so different?
| Japanese Fruit | Square Watermelon |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ginza, Tokyo |
| Yen | ¥10,917 |
| Dollars | $100 |
Why can’t you eat a square watermelon?
Although cube melons were originally created with practicality in mind, the cost is prohibitive. The cube shape of the watermelon can only be achieved at the expense of its contents. To retain the proper shape, cube melons must be harvested before they are ripe, rendering them inedible.
What month is best to buy watermelon?
But the best time to buy is between May and September. That’s when production kicks in for the four top watermelon-growing states—Florida, Texas, California, and Georgia—which account for two-thirds of the U.S. crop and keep supermarket bins consistently full.
Why are Japanese black watermelons so expensive?
The Densuke watermelon is considered the most expensive watermelon in the world and it can cost a minimum of $250 up to $6,000 each. The final cost of this fruit reflects the amount of time and dedication to its cultivation space.
Why are cubed watermelon so expensive?
The high price tag is because growing these novelty fruits is pretty labor-intensive. Science doesn’t get any credit for the watermelon’s square shape, though — it’s all about molding. Japan certainly has a reputation for the bizarre and some farmers have even begun growing pyramid and heart-shaped watermelons.
How much does a square watermelon cost in Japan?
The iconic square watermelon is not a regular sight at most Japanese supermarkets. I’ve lived here 17 years, and I’ve seen only a couple over the years. The novelty melon is usually priced in the neighborhood of $100 each, but they can approach $200. This is a “Godzilla Egg” watermelon. It’s… very large and comes in a neat crate.
Can you eat watermelon in Japan?
The square watermelon. Grown in special boxes in Zentsuji (Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku Island), these peculiar fruits are not for eating. Cultivating the perfect fruit also takes a lot of attention. Take the muskmelons for example: just three percent of them are singled out and given little outfits.
How much does a heart shaped watermelon cost?
Prices vary between $68 and $150. The heart-shaped watermelon first started getting attention in 2009. There are now mini versions, too, which are priced at around $200. Large heart-shaped watermelons can be yours for around $350 or higher.
What is a Jinmen Suika watermelon?
Here is a watermelon that was grown to look like a calabash, which is an unusually shaped fruit. Next to the square melon, you are looking at a “ jinmen suika ” (人面スイカ), which literally means a “human face watermelon.”
