KUROBE WATERMELON

An extra jumbo watermelon that can be found individually wrapped in rope ‘baskets’ in Japanese markets and sold for up to 7000 yen each! This iconic variety makes a popular gift in Japan and can often be found at summer picnics. This variety was selected from a U.S. variety called Rattlesnake, which was brought to Japan during the Meiji Era and cultivated in the town of Nyuzen and along the Kurobe River since the 1930s. This variety is presented to the Imperial family every year, and the super sweet mammoth fruit is a popular and expensive gift, up to 70 US dollars each. A giant cartoon watermelon is also a popular Japanese mascot, a nod to this beloved Japanese variety.

“Description courtesy of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds/rareseeds “.