In this article we want to tell you about an unusual variety of watermelon. If you have not managed to enjoy this unusual look in your life, we recommend you to try it! It is not sold everywhere, but in large cities you can find it in season in certain supermarkets. Also, if you have suitable climatic conditions for the growth of these berries, we recommend that you try to grow them yourself. Perhaps if you have never seen a moon watermelon, the photo will surprise you. What kind of plant is this?
Why was it called "moon watermelon"?
If you have ever heard of this unusual form, you probably wondered why this berry was called moonlight. We are used to hearing that the best are Astrakhan watermelons. And here is some strange watermelon, lunar. There are two reasons. Firstly, this watermelon inside is yellow! If cut in half, the cut will look a bit like the yellow face of the moon. Secondly, and outwardly, too, this watermelon resembles a starry sky with the moon. See for yourself! On a dark background, small yellow blotches and a larger circle in a single copy. Unusual, right?
Origin
The most interesting thing is that this species came from a wild, completely tasteless watermelon, which was different in that it had a yellow flesh. About ten years ago, at the All-Russian Research Institute of Melon and Vegetable Growing, the head of the selection department, Sergey Sokolov, crossed an ordinary and wild watermelon. As a result, a new variety was formed, which was called lunar.
Ukrainian breeders also made attempts to obtain a watermelon with yellow pulp, but they did it worse than Russian scientists. Their variety is distinguished by the fact that it acquired only aroma from a regular watermelon, and tastes more like a pumpkin. As a result, this hybrid is called the "kavbuz". In its raw form, it is not consumed. It's not tasty. But for cooking cereals - it’s the most.
Lunar watermelon: types
There are two main types of this watermelon - round and oval. If you look through all the photos in this article, you will see examples of both one and the other. Agree that both options look quite unusual when compared with conventional varieties. Grow them in different places. Round - mainly in Spain, and oval - in Thailand.
If we talk about Russia, the watermelon variety "lunar" grows in our Astrakhan. But we are not very popular because of transportation problems.
The fact is that this variety has a very thin and rather loose crust, which is easy to break when transported over long distances. This feature increases the cost of delivery to distant cities, since each berry needs a separate approach (separate soft packaging).
Taste qualities
Of course, I wonder how tasty this unusual watermelon is. If you compare it with regular red, it is characterized by a high sugar content and has a very delicate and juicy pulp. A good option for those who love this berry and do not mind eating sweet. If our usual red watermelon contains about eight percent sugar, then the lunar one is close to thirteen! By the way, our Astrakhan lunar watermelon is distinguished by unusual exotic notes, if we compare it with the species brought from abroad. Regarding the taste, tasters cannot agree on what it reminds. Someone claims that this is a mango, someone reminds a lemon, and some even tend to pumpkin.
The variety grown in Thailand, on the contrary, has a low sugar content (about five percent). Nevertheless, the locals really appreciate it. In a hot country, to quench your thirst, an excess of sugar is not needed.
You can also say that in this type of watermelon there are almost no seeds, which is very convenient for eating in comparison with the usual red.
Application
Lunar watermelon is most often eaten raw, but, in addition, it is still actively used in culinary dishes. This variety is very popular among confectioners in the preparation of desserts. Since the pulp has a beautiful and attractive appearance, it is also used to decorate different dishes.
In addition, there are many recipes for the preparation of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails using this variety.
In Thailand, freshly squeezed juice is usually prepared from this berry and is actively offered to tourists. They also make an unusual sweet and spicy sauce from this watermelon, which is served with meat, fish dishes and rice.
In Russia, some lovers still salted watermelon and canned. But the combination of sugar and salt is not to everyone's taste, so this type of application remains the exception rather.
Growing
Many people have a question about how difficult it is to grow this variety on their own in their own land. How lunar watermelon is choosy to climatic conditions and what does it need to grow at all?
This variety is absolutely unpretentious to the temperature regime, and it can be grown even in the middle zone of our country. The melon growers will not need a greenhouse or a greenhouse. Watermelon is planted directly in the ground.
I would also like to clarify that this berry, of course, loves moist places. She needs water to get juice. Therefore, consider watering options if the summer suddenly turns out to be arid.
The soil for cultivation should preferably be neutral in acidity and light in sand or sandy loam. The root of the watermelon goes a meter deep, and it will be difficult for him to grow on clay.
In the fall, under the digging of future melon, it is recommended to introduce mineral (phosphorus-potash) and organic (horse or cow manure) fertilizers. Also, ash will not be superfluous.
Pay particular attention to the "neighbors" that will grow nearby. It is undesirable to plant a watermelon near related cultures such as pumpkins and the like. As a result of pollination, you may not get what you expected.
Lunar watermelon, reviews of which often praise its taste (although criticism is sometimes found), have long attracted the attention of those who have never tried this berry. Well, not all is lost. We hope you find this information interesting and useful. Buy, grow, try and enjoy the unusual and delicate taste!