The diversity of watermelons is difficult to surprise someone. What only colors and forms did not bring out breeders for many years of work! But recently in the stores began to appear berries with yellow flesh. The people immediately hurried to taste them and had already managed to note that there were some exotic notes in the taste. This is despite the fact that yellow watermelon is not genetically modified, it is derived in a completely natural way.
Table of contents
Description and characteristics of yellow watermelons
At first glance, a berry with a yellow flesh is almost impossible to determine. Indeed, in general, it looks as much as a usual watermelon. But when you cut all the differences become apparent. This miracle comes from Thailand. It was there that local breeders through numerous experiments and received an amazing variety, which in taste and color was very original.
Ordinary watermelon crossed with wild, as a result of which unusual species appeared. No gene mutations were performed in this case, all experiments were carried out exclusively by standard methods.
The yellow color of the pulp is due to the fact that it contains a lot of carotenoids. The seeds in these berries are very few, the taste is very rich. The pulp contains many different microelements:
- cellulose;
- calcium;
- vitamin C;
- iron.
In our country, the most common variety of this type is Lunar.It can be grown both in greenhouses and in open ground. The flesh has a pleasant aftertaste of lemon and melon. The fruits are large, their weight is about five kilograms. The ripeness can easily be determined by the state of the skin:
- in the case of a fallen fruit, there are dents on the skin after pressing;
- for unripe watermelons, scratching the skin is almost impossible.
In addition to excellent taste, watermelon is also very early. Harvest can be obtained after 60-70 days after germination.
Peculiarities of watermelon with yellow flesh
Often, yellow watermelons are much smaller in size than their red counterparts. Only a few individual varieties are able to reach a weight of 10 kg. The peel of exotic berries is thinner, but it is hard and not suitable for the production of candied fruits or the preparation of jam.
Yellow watermelon, grown in our country and in its homeland, is distinguished by its taste. In our country it is inferior in sugar content to red, but in far Thailand it is distinguished by honey taste and sugar content. Depending on the variety, watermelon may also have characteristic flavors: mango, lemon, pumpkin, etc.
Not so long ago there was an opinionthat for our climatic conditions such watermelons are not suitable. You can grow them only in tropical conditions. Only now the practice has proven the opposite. Now unusual berries are grown not only in greenhouses, but also in open ground, getting a great harvest. Many varieties and hybrids have been developed, which differ primarily in taste and weight of the fruit.
Many have a natural question: to whom does this watermelon owe its pulp color? Everything is very simple. As mentioned above, yellow watermelon - the product of the crossing of domestic and wild plants. So the wild relatives have just the yellow flesh, and because of mixing with the red it turned out to be a rich tint.
Advantages and disadvantages
summer residents are already beginning to be interested in yellow watermelons and are slowly trying to grow them in their backyards. The same can be said about farmers engaged in the cultivation of melon crops. Naturally, they have already managed to highlight certain advantages and disadvantages of these berries. The advantages include:
- rich pleasant aroma;
- unpretentious care;
- early maturity;
- small size of the berries;
- good taste;
- very unusual appearance in the section.
Virtually no flaws. If only to note that some lovers say insufficient sweetness of the fruit. Also, buyers of the finished product complain about the high cost of yellow watermelons even at the height of the season.
Benefits and harm of berries with yellow flesh
Is it possible for everyone to use watermelons with yellow flesh and how do they affect the human body? It must be said that in this respect they are not significantly different from the red counterparts. It is worth noting that in their pulp is a lot of vitamins E, C, B9. Such berries are useful mainly due to the fact that they help to strengthen the immune system and enhance the natural protective functions of the body.
Yellow watermelon has a high content of vitamin A, C, as well as trace elements such as calcium and iron, magnesium, lycopene, etc. All of them are very necessary for our body.
Despite the enormous benefits that yellow watermelons bring to a person, they are not recommended for everyone. Do not be zealous in this regard, those people who have kidney disease or diabetes.
Use in cooking
Many still believe that watermelons are suitable for use only in fresh form. This opinion has long been erroneous, because the chefs have invented a lot of dishes, which also successfully used yellow watermelon. In this regard, it is also not much different from red and found its place not only in the production of juices and desserts.
Berry can be used for making ice cream, salads, decorative decoration of dishes and baking, making jam.
Diseases and pests
Modern hybrid varieties of watermelons are fairly resistant to major diseases and are not susceptible to pests. But some trouble may still happen. The main ones are:
- melon rot;
- aphid;
- mosaic;
- powdery mildew;
- gray rot and others
Gourds are often affected by wireworms, spider mites, thrips and other pests.
In order to reduce the risk of plant damage, they need to weed in time, loosen the ground.One of the measures of prevention and treatment is the treatment of fungicides.
Yellow watermelons immediately attract the attention of lovers of the exotic. In addition to the unusual appearance of the cut berries, it also differs by its original taste. Those who have their own garden plot, can try to grow this miracle on their own and not overpay money when buying finished products in the store. You will delight yourself not only with a beautiful and tasty berry, but also give your body a supply of vitamins and trace elements.