Players who cleaved the watermelon in equal halves could come close to a perfect score, while players who broke them into unequal parts would receive lower marks. Other details: Judges should have eaten at least 10 watermelons in the current year.
Why do they smash watermelon?
The watermelon smashing is paying homage to his family history and his beginnings in the sport. He carries a watermelon in the hauler to each race. It lasts only about six weeks before it needs to be replaced. “Everybody on the team knows what it’s for — it’s not for anything but a win,” he said.
Why do Japanese people love watermelon?
The main reason behind this is that watermelon in Japan—like many other fruits, in fact—is considered a luxury: something you’d give to a really important senpai as a thank you or summer gift rather than something essential for your seasonal diet.
Why are Japanese square watermelons not edible?
Although cube melons were originally created with practicality in mind, the cost is prohibitive. The cube shape of the watermelon can only be achieved at the expense of its contents. To retain the proper shape, cube melons must be harvested before they are ripe, rendering them inedible.
Is watermelon smashing a thing in Japan?
Suikawari (スイカ割り, suika-wari, lit. Watermelon Splitting) is a traditional Japanese game that involves splitting a watermelon with a stick while blindfolded. Played in the summertime, suikawari is most often seen at beaches, but also occurs at festivals, picnics, and other summer events.
How long is watermelon good in refrigerator?
If you’re worried about your watermelon spoiling, you can pop the whole thing in the fridge; FreshDirect says that you can keep a whole watermelon in the fridge for up to three weeks, at best.
Why is watermelon so expensive in Japan?
After all, Japanese farmers are responsible for square watermelons and strawberries the size of a tennis ball (via CNN Travel). The Guardian suggests that this cultural respect for farmers might give Japanese people a better sense of the skill and labor required to cultivate produce, making them willing to pay more.
Why is fruit a luxury in Japan?
A Farmer’s Dedication
It is not uncommon for them to channel all their resources into growing just one fruit on a plot of land and tend to all its needs carefully as if nurturing a child. This suggests that this exclusive fruit will be sold at a premium price as a way to reward the farmers for all their hard work.
What watermelon means Japan?
Watermelon really represents summer in Japan.
Which is the most expensive fruit?
World’s Most Expensive Fruit: Yubari King Melon, Do You Know How Much it Costs? At a traditional auction, marking the start of the summer season, two coveted Yubari melons were sold for almost 18 lacs, which is more than 22 times the last year’s price.
What is the most expensive watermelon?
A black jumbo watermelon auctioned in northern Japan fetched a record 650,000 yen (US$6,100) Friday, making it the most expensive watermelon ever sold in the country — and possibly the world.
Why is square watermelon so expensive?
When the watermelons grow in these square molds, the fruit often does not really respond to the mold, which means fewer are successfully made — and that the price for the in-demand watermelons can easily be driven up when there are not enough to meet demand.
How much is a watermelon in Japan?
Producer prices
1 kilo of Watermelon in Japan is around USD 41.74 in Tokyo and Yokohama, packed and ready for export. The price in JPY currency is 0.3869298.
Do you dip watermelon in salt?
Salt is a great way to enhance these fruits’ natural sweetness. Salting watermelon also improves the fruit’s texture. A little sprinkling of salt brings all the liquid to the surface of the water-rich fruit. As a result, each bite is guaranteed to be juicy and sweet.
How do you play split the melon?
This is how the locals play suika wari: one person stands blindfolded holding a long pole or stick, while the group around them shouts out directions so that they can strike the watermelon with the stick, splitting it in half. It’s somewhat similar to play with a pinata.
When should you not eat watermelon?
It is recommended to not consume watermelons at night right before going to bed. “I would not recommend consumption of watermelon or any fruit after 7 pm. Watermelon is slightly acidic and if consumed at night, it may delay the process of digestion when the body is inactive.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. First, seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. It’s also a good idea to remove the rind because it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
What happens if you freeze a whole watermelon?
The simple answer is yes, watermelon can be frozen, but it will be mushy when it’s thawed. Enjoy whole chunks of watermelon while it’s fresh because it will not taste the same after freezing. However, you don’t need to throw out your leftover watermelon.
What is the national fruit of Japan?
Persimmons are the national fruit of Japan. They are usually in season between September and December, and are a good source of potassium, phosphorous, and vitamin C. This article will look at the types and benefits of persimmon fruit, their nutritional content, and how to include them in the diet.
What is the most expensive fruit in Japan?
Let me introduce you to the most expensive fruit in Japan, the Yūbari King Melon. Originating from Yūbari in Hokkaido, these melons set the record for the most expensive fruit ever sold.
What fruit is native to Japan?
Yuzu. Yuzu are sour, lemon-sized fruits that have a distinctively Japanese fragrance. While yuzu have little pulp, their juice is often used in seasoning, and their rind is used as a garnish.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.