Listen up folks, have you ever laid your eyes on a Japanese watermelon? It's like nothing you've ever seen before. It's square, for starters, and it's all the rage in Japan. These bad boys are so fancy that they're a multi-million dollar business. But why, you may ask, are they square? Well, it all started with a farmer named Tomoyuki Ono. He was tired of seeing kids and adults alike chowing down on unhealthy treats like ice cream and soda. So, he decided to create a healthier alternative that would make their jaws drop. And, boy oh boy, did he deliver!
He created this masterpiece back in 1978 and presented it in a fancy gallery in Ginza, Tokyo. Each fruit weighs about 6 kilograms and they contain 91% water and 6% sugar. They're scientifically known as Citrullus Lenatas and they're part of the Cucumber Tasty family. These watermelons are not easy to come by, though. The Zensuji watermelons are only produced in Zensuji near the city of Takamatsu in Kagawa prefecture and only 200 are grown annually.
But, you might be wondering, what's the big deal about these square watermelons? Well, it's all about the shape for the purists. They don't care about the taste, they just want the perfect square shape. Each farmer has their own unique process for growing these watermelons, but if you're interested in growing your own square fruit, all you need is a square metal cage, patience, and the ability to think outside the box.
But, be warned, the process is not for the faint of heart. You need to make sure the corners are filled evenly and the lines are aligned parallel with the edges. A tiny crack can ruin months of work and if diseases or any other disasters strike, there may be no square watermelon for sale that year.
The process of making these square-shaped Japanese watermelons has received international attention and even gained geographical indication protection status in June 2019. But, the sad truth is that the taste is often unpleasant. But, on the bright side, you can fit them perfectly in an 18 centimeter by 18 centimeter refrigerator, making storage and transportation an absolute breeze.
In conclusion, if you're interested in buying a Japanese watermelon, be prepared to pay a pretty penny for it and don't expect it to taste like the juiciest and sweetest watermelon you've ever had. But, it's all worth it for the bragging rights of owning a square watermelon.
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