5 Surprising Explanations That Even Agricultural Experts Appreciate.
In China, during the watermelon ripening season, anyone passing by watermelon fields encounters a peculiar sight. Each watermelon is topped with a stone of various sizes. For farmers, growing high-quality watermelons is not an easy task; it requires meticulous care in every step, from seedling cultivation to weeding and fertilization. So why do they place stones on the watermelons as they near ripeness? What purpose does this action serve?
Each watermelon is topped with a stone of various sizes.
Recently, Sohu reported on a survey and interview with an elderly farmer who manages a watermelon farm. He shared five benefits of placing stones on top of watermelons—insights that surprised many, including agricultural experts.
First, it helps identify ripeness. Specifically, because watermelons are grown over a large area and their growth periods vary, it can take up to a month for them to ripen, while the fastest ripening varieties still need around 27 days. Therefore, placing stones on them serves as a marking system to facilitate easier harvesting. This method is widely adopted by many watermelon growers.
Placing stones helps identify ripeness.
Second, it shields from direct sunlight. By placing a stone on a watermelon, it can absorb heat during the day, reducing the harsh sunlight exposure directly hitting the fruit, which helps maintain its quality.
When the weather cools down at night, the temperature of the stones also decreases, creating a significant temperature difference between day and night for the watermelons. According to scientists, this is a clever way to promote watermelon growth, increasing the sugar content and making the watermelons tastier and sweeter.
Placing stones to prevent watermelons from rolling down hills.
Third, it prevents deformities. When watermelons grow to a certain size, they tend to develop upright. If sufficiently heavy stones are placed, the watermelons will grow more uniformly.
Fourth, in some areas, farmers grow watermelons on slopes; therefore, they place stones on top to prevent the watermelons from rolling down the hill. Moreover, rolling around can cause watermelons to bump into each other, leading to bruising and affecting overall quality.
Fifth, stones help deter birds from eating the watermelons. When birds perch on watermelons with stones, they find it difficult to balance and eat. Thus, the birds become frightened and fly away.
According to scientists, watermelon, scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus, is a type of plant belonging to the gourd family, with a hard rind, high water content, and originates from southern Africa. Watermelon is favored for its sweetness and juiciness, providing many vitamins and trace elements for the body. On hot summer days, nothing refreshes better than a chilled slice of watermelon. Additionally, this fruit offers numerous health benefits, including improving insulin sensitivity, reducing muscle soreness, lowering blood pressure, and preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as well as asthma. Watermelon seeds are known to cool the lungs, dissolve phlegm, promote bowel movements, and benefit the digestive system. The roots and leaves of the watermelon plant can be used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. |
