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The Appeal of Watermelon and the Joy of Fruit Picking

Watermelon is the undisputed king of summer fruits in Japan. The moment you bite into an ice-cold watermelon is the very essence of a Japanese summer tradition.

Watermelon picking is a dynamic experience where you walk through a sprawling field, choose a large watermelon with your own eyes, and cut the vine with scissors to harvest it. The crisp, crunchy texture and the sweet juiciness that fills your mouth from a freshly picked watermelon are in a completely different league from what you find at the supermarket.

Peak Season and Regional Differences

The watermelon picking season generally runs from June to August. However, timing varies significantly by growing region. In Kumamoto Prefecture, where greenhouse cultivation is widespread, shipments begin as early as late April, while in the Tohoku region, where open-field cultivation is the norm, peak season is from July to August.

Peak Season by Variety

Greenhouse-grown watermelons reach their peak 1-2 months earlier than open-field varieties. When heading out for watermelon picking, it is a good idea to check the harvest timing with the farm in advance.

Variety Guide -- Flavor and Characteristics

Shima-o (Striped King) Varieties

This is the classic large watermelon variety and one of the most widely cultivated in Japan. Weighing around 7-10kg, it features a striking striped pattern of dark green and near-black green. Its sugar content is a consistent 11-13 degrees Brix, delivering a well-balanced sweetness and crisp, crunchy flesh. Since it is grown at farms nationwide, it is the variety you are most likely to encounter during watermelon picking.

Matsuribayashi

This variety enjoys particularly high popularity among large watermelons. With a sugar content of 12-13 degrees Brix, it is on the sweeter side, and its greatest appeal lies in its deep red flesh and strong crunch. The thin rind means there is more edible fruit, and it typically weighs around 7-9kg. Grown in production areas across the country, its excellent flavor also makes it a popular choice for gifts.

Small Watermelon (Hitorijime and Others)

At just 2-3kg, these are a convenient single-serving size, perfect for small households or couples. The popular "Hitorijime" series boasts a sugar content of 12-13 degrees Brix, rivaling that of large watermelons, and the thin rind means a higher proportion of edible flesh. Their compact size also means they fit whole in the refrigerator, making them easy to handle after bringing them home.

Tips for Comparing Varieties

When watermelon picking, be sure to compare the flavor of large and small watermelons. Large watermelons tend to have a noticeable sweetness difference between the center and the area near the rind, while small watermelons tend to have a more uniformly sweet flavor throughout. The texture of the flesh also varies by variety, ranging from intensely crunchy to smooth. Asking the farm staff for their recommendations is also a great idea.

How to Choose a Delicious Watermelon

Here are some checkpoints for selecting a sweet watermelon during your picking experience.

First, check the sound when you tap it. Lightly tap the watermelon with the palm of your hand -- a clear, resonant "pon-pon" sound indicates the flesh is firm and the watermelon is at its peak.

Next, look at the definition of the stripes. A watermelon with clearly defined stripes showing a strong contrast between light and dark green is a sign that it has fully matured.

The area around the stem is also an important indicator. If the area around the base of the stem is slightly concave, it is a sign the watermelon is well ripened.

Also, when comparing watermelons of the same size, choose the heavier one. A heavier watermelon is packed with more water and juice.

Finally, flip the watermelon over and check the blossom end (the navel on the bottom). A smaller blossom end indicates thinner rind and more edible flesh.

Tips to Get 10 Times More Out of Watermelon Picking

1. Use Scissors to Cut the Vine

Watermelons are harvested using scissors provided by the farm to cut the vine. Pulling forcefully can split the vine and damage the fruit, so make a clean cut at the base of the vine with the scissors. Large watermelons are heavy, so the trick is to hold the fruit with one hand while using the scissors with the other.

2. Be Fully Prepared for the Heat

Watermelon picking season falls in the middle of summer. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinks. Stay hydrated by drinking water frequently, and do not push yourself if you are not feeling well. Some farms provide rest areas or tents.

3. Chill and Eat on the Spot

Many farms let you cut and eat your harvested watermelon right then and there. Some farms also provide cold water or ice, so chilling the watermelon before eating makes it taste even better.

4. Bring a Large Bag

Large watermelons weigh 7-10kg, so a regular shopping bag will not do. Bring a sturdy, oversized bag or a cardboard box for peace of mind. Some farms sell boxes, but checking in advance is the safest approach.

5. Driving Is Recommended

If you are taking a large watermelon home, it can be extremely heavy to carry on public transportation. If possible, driving is recommended. Since the inside of a car can get very hot and cause the watermelon to deteriorate, bringing a cooler box or insulated bag is also a good idea.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Approximately 90% of watermelon is water, making it an ideal fruit for staying hydrated and preventing heatstroke during the hot summer months. Beyond being sweet and refreshing, watermelon also contains a number of noteworthy nutrients.

Citrulline

A free amino acid found in watermelon -- in fact, watermelon is what gave citrulline its name. Citrulline is believed to dilate blood vessels and improve circulation, potentially helping with cold sensitivity and swelling. It is found in particularly high concentrations in the white part of the flesh near the rind.

Lycopene

Lycopene, the pigment that gives watermelon its red flesh, is a type of carotenoid with powerful antioxidant properties. Some watermelons are reported to contain about 1.5 times the lycopene found in tomatoes, and lycopene is believed to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases and promote healthy skin.

Potassium

Watermelon contains approximately 120mg of potassium per 100g. Potassium helps flush excess sodium (salt) from the body, aiding in the prevention of high blood pressure and swelling.

Vitamin C

Watermelon contains approximately 10mg of vitamin C per 100g. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and contributes to immune function and healthy skin.

Storage Methods and Tips for Taking Watermelon Home

Whole Watermelon Storage (Room Temperature)

An uncut, whole watermelon can be stored at room temperature for about 1-2 weeks in a well-ventilated, cool, dark place. Avoid direct sunlight and locations that get very hot.

Cut Watermelon Storage (Refrigerated)

Wrap cut watermelon tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The recommended storage period is 2-3 days. Since exposed cut surfaces cause the flavor to deteriorate, try to eat it as soon as possible.

Be Careful Not to Over-Chill

Watermelon has a tendency to taste less sweet when overly chilled. The ideal approach is to cool it in ice water just before eating, which allows you to enjoy more sweetness than if it had been stored in the refrigerator for a long time.

Regional Guide -- Recommended Areas

Kumamoto Prefecture (Ueki Town)

Kumamoto Prefecture has maintained its position as Japan's top watermelon producer for over 20 years. Within the prefecture, Ueki Town in Kita-ku, Kumamoto City is nationally renowned as a famous watermelon-producing area, with greenhouse cultivation enabling shipments to start as early as late April. The warm climate and fertile soil produce sweet watermelons, and the area is also a major producer of premium gift-quality watermelons.

Chiba Prefecture (Tomisato City)

Tomisato City in Chiba Prefecture is the largest watermelon-producing area in the Kanto region, and the "Tomisato Suika Road Race" held every June attracts widespread attention each year. The well-drained volcanic ash soil of the fields is ideal for watermelon cultivation, with a focus on open-field summer watermelons. With easy access from Tokyo, it makes for a great day trip for watermelon picking.

Yamagata Prefecture (Obanazawa City)

Obanazawa City in Yamagata Prefecture is Japan's top producer of summer watermelons. The wide temperature swings between day and night, characteristic of the area's basin geography, produce watermelons with exceptionally high sugar content. Peak season runs from July to August, and "Obanazawa watermelon" is highly regarded as a premium brand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. How much does watermelon picking cost?

Prices vary by farm, but the typical range is 1,500-3,000 yen. Unlike strawberry picking, which is usually all-you-can-eat, watermelon picking is primarily a take-home format (you purchase the watermelons you pick). Some farms offer plans where the admission fee includes one watermelon, while others charge by weight, so it is best to check in advance.

Q. Are reservations required?

Reservations are required at most watermelon picking farms. Since each vine produces a limited number of fruit, most farms set a daily harvest cap. Weekends and summer vacation periods tend to be especially busy, so booking early is recommended.

Q. Can children enjoy watermelon picking?

Watermelon picking is a popular experience for children too. Since watermelons grow on the ground, even small children can select and touch the fruit themselves. However, large watermelons are heavy, so adults should help with the actual harvesting. Farms that let you cut and eat watermelon on the spot are especially enjoyable for children.

Q. What if the watermelon is too heavy to carry?

Large watermelons weigh 7-10kg, which is quite heavy. Some farms offer cart rentals or shipping services. Small watermelons, at just 2-3kg, are much lighter and easier to take home.

Q. What is the best time of day to go?

Early morning is the best time for watermelon picking. Since temperatures in midsummer fields can get extremely high during the day, visiting in the morning helps you avoid the worst of the heat. Farms also tend to be less crowded in the morning, giving you more time to choose at your leisure. Aim to arrive right when the farm opens.