Cube watermelons are grown by placing young, developing watermelons inside transparent, cube-shaped containers, usually made of glass or durable plastic. The watermelon then grows to fill the shape of the container.
The Process Explained:
The secret to growing cube watermelons is all about controlled shaping. Here's a breakdown:
- Young Watermelon Selection: Growers start with small, immature watermelons on the vine.
- Cube Container Placement: The chosen watermelon is carefully placed inside a transparent cube-shaped container. This container is typically made of glass or strong plastic.
- Growth and Shaping: As the watermelon grows, it is forced to conform to the shape of the container. The rigid walls of the cube prevent the watermelon from expanding in its natural, round shape.
- Monitoring and Removal: Growers monitor the watermelon's growth within the cube. To prevent the watermelon from becoming too large and potentially cracking the container, it is removed once it reaches a desired size, typically around 7-8 inches in diameter. The reference suggests removing the fruit when it reaches about 3 square inches (19 sq. cm.) to avoid them becoming too large.
- Harvesting and Sale: Once the watermelon has achieved the desired cubic shape and size, it is harvested and prepared for sale.
Why Cube Watermelons?
- Novelty: Cube watermelons are primarily grown for their novelty and visual appeal.
- Easy Stacking: The cubic shape allows for easier stacking and storage compared to traditional round watermelons, making them more efficient to transport and display.
- Niche Market: They often cater to a niche market willing to pay a premium for their unique shape.
Considerations:
- Cost: Growing cube watermelons is more labor-intensive and requires specialized containers, resulting in a higher price compared to regular watermelons.
- Taste: The taste and quality of cube watermelons are generally the same as regular watermelons of the same variety. The shape doesn't affect the flavor.
In short, cube watermelons are created by manipulating the natural growth of the fruit within a shaped container, resulting in a visually appealing and easily stackable product.
