In China, during the ripe watermelon season, anyone passing through watermelon fields will witness a very peculiar scene: each watermelon is topped with a stone. For farmers, cultivating high-quality watermelons is no easy task; it requires meticulous care at every stage, from planting seedlings to tending to weeds and fertilizing. So, why do they place stones on the vines as the watermelons ripen? What purpose does this action serve?
Upon receiving this shared information on forums, a group of experts embarked on a field trip to uncover the exact answer.
In many watermelon fields in China, every watermelon is adorned with a stone on top. According to scientists, watermelon, scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus, is a plant species belonging to the gourd family, with a hard rind, rich in water, originating from southern Africa. Watermelon is beloved for its refreshing sweetness and high water content, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals to the body. On scorching summer days, nothing quenches thirst better than a cool slice of watermelon.
Furthermore, this fruit offers numerous health benefits to consumers, including improving insulin sensitivity, reducing muscle soreness, lowering blood pressure, preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and alleviating respiratory conditions like asthma. Watermelon seeds are known to cool the lungs, dissolve phlegm, lubricate the intestines, and aid digestion. The roots and leaves of watermelon plants can be used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.
Five reasons why farmers place stones on watermelon vines:
- Preventing bird damage: Placing stones on the watermelon fruits prevents birds from landing and pecking at them. When birds perch on watermelons with stones on top, they struggle to maintain balance, causing them to fly away in fear.
- Marking ripe fruits: Watermelons take about a month to ripen after flowering, with some varieties needing up to 27 days. In fields with numerous watermelon vines, it’s challenging for farmers to remember which fruits are ripe. Placing stones on ripe fruits serves as a marking method for easier harvesting.
- Shading from sunlight: Farmers believe that prolonged exposure to sunlight can affect the quality of watermelon fruits, as the surface may develop uneven grooves due to varying degrees of heat. Placing stones along the grooves on the watermelon’s surface helps shield them from direct sunlight.
- Promoting even growth: Placing stones on watermelons helps ensure uniform growth by exerting pressure, allowing the fruits to develop evenly.
- Enhancing fruit quality: Stones absorb and dissipate heat quickly. The temperature difference between day and night contributes to sweeter watermelons. This method cleverly produces high-quality fruits, as watermelons contain various sugars whose sweetness varies with temperature. Lower temperatures result in sweeter-tasting fructose, explaining why chilled watermelons taste sweeter.