Let’s be honest, round watermelons are a little inconvenient. Their shape makes them prone to rolling, so you’ll want to keep an eye on them. One little knock on the counter and you could end up with a watermelon explosion. Not to mention that if you want to cool them in the fridge, they never keep well, taking up awkward space. By the way, instead of chilling watermelon, try freezing it for delicious watermelon shaved ice.
To solve this problem, Japan, a country known for adopting many interesting innovations such as advanced bidet toilets in 80% of households, began growing square watermelons in the late 1970s. June and July in the city of Zentsuji. However, they are not cheap. To get one, you need to visit Japan and pay at least $100. In expensive cities like Tokyo, it’s more common to pay around $200, and prices can go as high as $500. Apparently, you can also send one , although these can cost $800, and we can’t find anywhere that offers them for sale. Considering that only 300 of these square watermelons are produced annually, and only 70 during a bad harvest year, the cost starts to make sense.
See more information: 3 smarter ways to separate a bag of ice
How are they made square?
Although you may have imagined a special square watermelon seed coveted by Japanese farmers, there is actually no such thing (and the legend about growing a watermelon in your belly by eating the seed It’s a myth too). Watermelons become square when grown in carefully designed molds. They are very strong to prevent the watermelon from bursting and transparent to allow sunlight to reach the fruit for its distinctive green color. The final product measures exactly 18 centimeters x 18 centimeters, fitting perfectly on the shelves of Japanese refrigerators. Only the best watermelons that meet quality standards, including specific weight requirements and evenly aligned stripes, may be sold.
From the moment the watermelon is placed inside the grow box until harvesting takes just 10 days. Watermelons are harvested when they are still immature, so that they last as long as possible. Unfortunately, this means they don’t taste very good. Think about the smooth and hard texture of a green watermelon. Previously, they were grown to taste like the juicy summer watermelons we all know and love, but only had about a week of shelf life.
Square watermelon cultivation is a meticulous process in which farmers check each watermelon 2 to 3 times a day, and even a small scratch can result in a defect that doubles the size of the fruit. This made the cost of production for short-term consumption impractical. With the current production method, watermelons last up to six months.
Why pay so much for a watermelon you can’t eat?
Despite not being edible, square watermelons still hold a special place in Japanese culture as prized decorative objects. You’re most likely to see them in high-end five-star hotels and luxury department stores, where they’re used to attract customers and showcase the establishment’s opulence.
Each square watermelon comes with its own cushion and soft packaging for protection, plus a guide to decorate it with a ribbon. These watermelons are to be admired for their whimsical, fun appearance and the incredible craftsmanship behind them. Farmers often describe them as a way to “beat the summer heat,” visually reminding viewers to cool off with a slice of fresh watermelon and instantly lifting their spirits (via Japanese food guide).
Giving a square watermelon is the ultimate gesture of extravagance and appreciation in Japan. Gift giving is a cherished tradition in Japanese culture, observed several times a year to convey respect and gratitude. Among the many gift options, fruits are a popular choice. In fact, you can find perfectly packaged and perfect fruit in almost every market and department store. They even have beautifully arranged fruit baskets that are a treat to the eyes. So if you want to make a big statement, why not opt for a square watermelon?
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