Square Watermelons in Japan

Back in 2001, people all over the world discovered that farmers in Zentsuji, Japan figured out a more convenient way to grow watermelons. Rather than cultivating bulky, round melons incapable of being placed in the refrigerator, Japanese farmers began producing square watermelons that were practical, yet costly.

By forcing young melons into square, tempered glass cases that were the exact dimensions of Japanese refrigerators, farmers in Zentsuji created the odd looking square melons that fit conveniently in the fridge.

Even though the shape of the fruit was much more efficient, the price was greatly amplified. Instead of paying the equivalent of $15 to $25 for a watermelon in Japan, farmers demanded around $82 for their scientifically modified fruits.

It is evident that even in the science of produce, Asian nations are among the top leaders and America is lagging. Although Japan’s scientifically fashioned square melon is ingenious and functional, I will stick to America’s choice of maintaining the bigger is better policy since the Japanese melon’s form does not fit the figure.