A slice of summer comfort
Print Edition
Summer is the season for watermelons. On a scorching day when sweat is building on the brow, thereÕs nothing more refreshing than a slice of juicy, sweet watermelon.
For Mou Congguang, however, the fruit goes beyond pure taste pleasure. He is a certified Òwatermelon expertÓ and this is his busy season.
Mou, 33, owns vegetable and fruit farms in several districts of Shanghai, including Minhang. As one of the Òtop 10 watermelon appraisersÓ in the city, Mou can tell you a lot of texture and taste without even cutting a melon open.
ÒWatermelon is a science,Ó said Mou. ÒConsumers want their melons to be fresh, sweet and juicy. I analyze them on factors such as thickness of the rind and sweetness in the center.Ó
Born in Zhejiang Province, Mou grew up alongside watermelon patches. His home county of Maoshe is often called Òthe land of watermelons.Ó Fruit from there consistently wins awards at agricultural exhibitions.
After graduating from senior high school in 2002, Mou started to work on a melon farm as a helper to his parents.
ÒAt one time, I asked myself, ÔIs this going to be my life forever, like a fledgling hiding under my parentsÕ wings?ÕÓ he said. ÒI didnÕt have any clear idea about what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to be independent.”
In 2006, Mou made his move. With 50,000 yuan (US$80) from his own savings and money borrowed from family, he came to Minhang and rented a small melon farm.
Since then, he has devoted all his energy toward growing the best breeds of melons. Cooperating with local farmers, he introduced pollution-free soil from Japan, and farmed without pesticides or herbicides. His Yuelong brand melons quickly began to attract notice in Shanghai markets.
In 2013, the Shanghai Fruit Industry Association held a contest to select watermelon appraisers. Thousands of people signed up. They were asked to judge a melon’s weight and ripeness without cutting it open. Most thought it would be a piece of cake, but that was hardly the case.
“Guessing weight is not easy,” said Mou. “You have to have years of experience. My guesses usually have an error rate of less than 50 grams.”
Four steps to determine if a watermelon is of top quality:
Step 1: Examine the vine attached to the melon
The vine of a fresh watermelon has a turquoise hue and is hydrated. Melons that are sweeter and juicier have spiral vines and seeds. Those with a blander taste have straight, thick vines and are seedless.
Step 2: Look at the ÒeyeÓ at the bottom of a melon.
If the eye is tiny and indented, the melon is ripe and sweet.
Step 3: Look at the rind of the melon.
A ripe watermelon has a smooth rind with bright colors and clear patterns. The side that has lain on soil usually looks yellowish.
Step 4: Tap the watermelon with your knuckle.
A ripe watermelon gives out a muffled sound, while an unripe one has a ringing tone.
Watermelon in China
The watermelon patch
China is the biggest producer of watermelons in the world, although the exact origins of this horticulture remain unknown.
In Mandarin, watermelon is called xi gua, which literally means “western melon.” Many people believe melons first came from Central Asia in ancient times. A widely accepted theory is that watermelons originated on the African continent and that Egyptians were the first in the world to domesticate the plant.
During the fourth or fifth centuries, watermelons entered China along the Silk Road.
Today, the fruit is believed to relieve inner body heat in summer. About 94 percent of watermelon pulp is water, while the fruit also contains various micro-nutrients that are beneficial for health.
Traditional Chinese medicine, however, takes a cautious view of watermelons. The fruit is considered a “cold” food that may harm the digestive system. People with weak stomachs or intestines may suffer bellyaches or diarrhea from eating too much of the fruit, especially if it is iced.
Watermelons are also said to be poor for people with diabetes or kidney problems. The high sugar content of the fruit increases blood sugar levels, while its diuretic tendencies may increase burden on the kidneys.
Many people discard watermelon rinds. That is a great waste. Just like the pulp, the rind is actually nutritious and edible. It contains vitamins C and E, and can be pickled or made into skin lotions.
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