A few years ago, Japanese farmers realized that they could grow square watermelons using a simple technique. Their "secret" recipe doesn't require gene hacking, chemicals, or any other questionable practice. Before I reveal how they did it, let me make one point about the nature of good ideas.
Square watermelons are obviously a great idea, but only in hindsight. Good ideas are like that - obvious in hindsight. Before you saw these photos, you probably assumed the status quo; that all watermelons are awkward, difficult to transport, stack, carry, and slice. But when you see the photos, you instantly get it.
So, how do they grow square watermelons? The farmers put boxes around the melons as they grow, and the melons simply fill the available space! Brilliant!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Square Watermelons
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18 comments:
Square watermelon IS a great idea. I'm surprised the melon itself doesn't need any sunlight while it's inside a box. Interesting post!
If that picture of the box is the box they are using, it looks like light can shine through the box, also since the watermelon is the fruit of a plant, I believe only the leaves and vines need light to convert it into energy.
and yet i have never seen a square watermelon in Japan.
This could be why we've never seen a square one:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1390088.stm
I guess that means sometimes it pays not to think outside the box.
It's a great idea, much better efficiency in packaging and transport so it's better for the environment.
Excellent fbg!
fgb even
$83 for a watermelon? I don't care what shape it is...83 bucks for a cuboid fruit is insane. However, it is Japan, so I guess anything's possible.
um, watermelons have leaves. the leaves suck up the sunlight. photosynthesis and all that. growing them into boxes is cool :)
Think of how much money they could make if they took custom orders. "Next July I'd really like a star-shaped watermelon. How much? Only $650? Great!"
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i believe ive heard that the boxes they use are made of tempered glass. i think the growth of the watermelon would break any normal material box.
"Square watermelon IS a great idea. I'm surprised the melon itself doesn't need any sunlight while it's inside a box. Interesting post!"
watermelons - and all other plants - get their sunlight for photosynthisis from the sun through their leaves
actually watermelons, and most other fruits, do need sunlight for the ripening process. The less sunlight they get the slower they ripen. Herego, the clearish green box. watermelons are also active in photosythesis, although they aren't necessary. The box probably has to have a lot of air holes also as the fruit has to have proper gas exchange to ripen correctly.
What a clever idea, very cool. I am all for the square watermelons.
Rachel
the baked blogger
http://bakedblog.com
Stems and yes fruit skins as well as leaves can photosynthesize. There is no rule that says only leaves can photosynthesize. Google it. Kody has it right.
I think i am going to have to make a plexiglass box and try this with a muskmelon.
just add vodka! :D
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