Watermelon is a refreshing summer fruit cultivated in many parts of the world, featuring various cultivars. However, the main criteria remain: large, sweet, and juicy. For watermelon farmers, the bigger and sweeter the fruit, the higher the yield.
In recent years, however, South Koreans have shown a preference for a smaller, cuter type of watermelon, commonly referred to as apple watermelon.
True to its name, this watermelon variety is roughly the size of an apple, fitting comfortably in an adult’s hand. As such, South Koreans affectionately call it “baby watermelon” or “mini watermelon.”
According to Mjjnews, mini watermelon suits the consumption preferences of small households or single young adults. With a size that is just 1/4 of a regular watermelon, its thin rind makes it easy to cut into bite-sized pieces without needing to store leftovers in the refrigerator.
As the number of small households and single-person households in South Korea continues to rise, people are often hesitant to buy larger watermelons since they cannot finish them. In contrast, the compact apple watermelon is convenient to hold and provides just the right amount.
Apple watermelon is significantly sweeter than regular watermelon due to a sugar content of up to 13 degrees Brix.
Moreover, it helps reduce food waste. Its ultra-thin rind is much softer than that of regular watermelons, making it easy to peel like an apple.
Apple watermelon even boasts the advantage of being very crispy, providing a chewing experience similar to eating an apple. In addition to retaining the nutritional content and vitamins found in regular watermelon, this variety is also considered much sweeter.
According to Mjjnews, apple watermelon has a sugar content of up to 13 degrees Brix, compared to 10 degrees Brix in other watermelon varieties.
While apple watermelon is small, its price is not “small.” The average price of this watermelon ranges from 5,000 – 10,000 won/kg (approximately 100 – 200 thousand VND), which is 2 to 3 times higher than regular watermelon.
As a result, an apple watermelon, although small, can cost as much as a regular watermelon weighing about 4-5 kg.
A farmer growing apple watermelon in South Korea.
During hot summer days, apple watermelon is increasingly favored by South Koreans. Besides eating it fresh, people also transform apple watermelon into juice, bingsu, desserts, or use it as a side with sandwiches and cold noodles.
Apple watermelon is only 1/4 the size of a regular watermelon, with a thin rind that can be cut into bite-sized pieces.
Nowadays, apple watermelon farms are expanding in South Korea. The sight of these small, cute watermelons hanging on trellises is both appealing and novel, attracting the attention of many local visitors and even foreign tourists.
