They might look like a genetically modified watermelon from planet geometry but square watermelons are grown naturally and it’s so easy you can even do it in your own veggie patch at home. There are even websites dedicated to teaching you how.
Square watermelons originated in Japan almost a decade ago where they have even figured out a way to grow heart shaped watermelons …. sort of like the ultimate gift for your vegan valentine.
So how are they grown, and why bother messing with Mother Nature are the obvious questions worth asking ?
It’s actually surprisingly easy (relatively speaking) to grow a square watermelon. Just about anyone can do it. While the watermelon is still small on the vine, a square, tempered glass box is placed around it. When the watermelon gets bigger, it grows into the shape of the box! Too easy. If you want to try this yourself make sure you use a glass or transparent mold so the sunlight can reach the watermelon.
Which brings us to Why ? There are apparently two reasons why Japanese farmers found a way to grow square watermelons. Firstly, the square watermelons are easier to stack, which makes them easier to ship and to display in retail stores. Secondly, in case you didn’t already know, space is an issue in crowded areas of Japan so apartments are small, kitchens are small andrefrigerators are not like the big double door almost walk in cold rooms that we now commonly see in Australian homes. So it makes perfect sense that a square watermelon is designed to fit perfectly inside smaller Japanese refrigerators.
As for the heart shaped watermelon … well that’s just for the love of it!