Watermelon lunar: description and reviews

In this article, we want to tell you about an unusual variety of watermelon. If you have not yet managed to regale this unusual species in your life, then we recommend that you try it! It is not sold everywhere, but in large cities it is possible to find them in certain supermarkets during the season. Also, if you have suitable climatic conditions for the growth of these berries, we advise you to try to grow them yourself. Perhaps, if you have never seen a lunoon watermelon, the photo will surprise you. What is this plant?

Why was called a "lunoon watermelon"?

If you ever heard of this unusual form, you probably wondered why this berry was called the lunar. We are accustomed to hear that the best are Astrakhan watermelons. And then some kind of incomprehensible watermelon, the moon. There are two reasons. First, this watermelon is inside yellow! If it is cut in half, the cut will be a bit like the yellow face of the moon. Secondly, and outwardly, too, this watermelon resembles a starry sky with a moon. See for yourself! On a dark background, small yellow blotches and a larger circle in a single copy. Unusually, right?

Origin

The most interesting thing is that this species originated from a wild, completely tasteless watermelon, which differed in that it had a yellow flesh. About ten years ago, at the All-Russian Research Institute of Melon-growing and Vegetable-Growing, the head of the selection department Sokolov Sergei crossed an ordinary and wild watermelon. As a result, a new variety was formed, which was called lunar.

Ukrainian breeders also made attempts to get watermelon with yellow flesh, but they got it worse than Russian scientists. Their variety is different from the fact that from ordinary watermelon it has only acquired a fragrance, and by taste it looks more like a pumpkin. As a result, this hybrid was called "kavbuz". In its raw form it is not used. It's not tasty. But for cooking porridge - it's the most.

Watermelon lunar: species

There are two main types of this watermelon - round and oval. If you look through all the photos of this article, you will see examples of one and the other kind. Agree that both options look quite unusual, when compared with conventional varieties. They grow them in different places. Round - mainly in Spain, and oval - in Thailand.

If we talk about Russia, then the watermelon variety "lunar" grows in our Astrakhan. But we do not enjoy great popularity because of transportation problems.

The fact is that this variety has a very thin and rather loose crust, which is easy to break when transported over long distances. This feature increases the cost of shipping to distant cities, since each berry needs a separate approach (separate soft packaging).

Taste qualities

Of course, I wonder how delicious this unusual watermelon is. If you compare it with ordinary red, then it is characterized by a high sugar content and has a very delicate and juicy pulp. A good option for those who love this berry and are not averse to eating sweets. If our habitual red watermelon contains about eight percent of sugar, then this figure is close to thirteen in the lunar! By the way, our Astrakhan lunoon watermelon differs by unusual exotic notes, if we compare it with the species brought from abroad. As for the taste, the tasters can not agree on what it looks like. Someone argues that this is mango, someone reminds a lemon, and some generally lean towards a pumpkin.

The cultivar grown in Thailand, on the contrary, is characterized by a low sugar content (about five percent). But nevertheless it is very appreciated by the locals. In a hot country, to satisfy thirst, an excess of sugar is not needed.

It can also be said that in this form of watermelon there are almost no seeds, which is very convenient for eating compared to the usual red.

Application

Watermelon lunar is most often eaten raw, but, in addition, it is still actively used in culinary dishes. This variety is very popular with confectioners when preparing desserts. Since the pulp has a beautiful and attractive appearance, it is also used for decorating different dishes.

In addition, there are many recipes for the preparation of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails using this variety.

In Thailand, this fruit is usually prepared freshly squeezed juice and actively offers it to tourists. In the same place, an unusual sweet and at the same time sharp sauce is made from this watermelon, which is served to meat, fish dishes and rice.

In Russia, some lovers still salt watermelon and canned. But the combination of sugar and salt is not everyone's taste, so this type of application remains the exception.

Cultivation

Many people have a question about how difficult it is to grow this variety on their own plot. How far is the lunar watermelon finicky to climatic conditions and what is it generally necessary for growth?

This variety is absolutely unpretentious to the temperature regime, and it can be grown even in the middle zone of our country. The melon growers will not need a hotbed or a greenhouse. Watermelon is planted directly into the ground.

Still it would be desirable to specify, that this berry, certainly, very much likes the humidified places. She needs water to get juice. Therefore, consider options for watering, if the summer suddenly turns arid.

The soil for cultivation should preferably be neutral in acidity and light - sandy or sandy loam. The root of the watermelon goes to a meter in depth, and it will be hard for him to grow on clay.

In the autumn, under the digging of the future melon, it is recommended to add mineral (phosphorus-potash) and organic (horse or cow manure) fertilizers. Also not ashore is ash.

Pay special attention to the "neighbors" that will grow nearby. It is undesirable to plant a watermelon close to related cultures such as pumpkins and the like. As a result of dusting, you can not get what you expected.

Watermelon lunar, reviews of which are often praised its taste (although sometimes meets and criticism), have long attracted the attention of those who have never tried this berry. Well, not everything is lost. We hope that this information turned out to be interesting and useful. Buy, grow, taste and enjoy an unusual and delicate taste!