What does smashing the watermelon mean?

A party game, usually in the Beach Episode of Japanese media, where someone is blindfolded, given a large stick (possibly a bokken or wooden sword), and directed to smash/crack a watermelon. The watermelon is destroyed by some other means, to the surprise and consternation of the other participants.

Why are Japanese square watermelons not edible?

First off, square watermelons are not genetically modified or engineered to grow in this particular shape. Unfortunately, square watermelons are more decorative than they are tasty. The melons are harvested before they are ripe, making them pretty much inedible.

What causes watermelon to split?

Causes of Watermelon Splits The most common cause for a bursting watermelon is erratic watering. As a result, the watermelon bursts. Another possibility, in addition to water, is heat. Water pressure within the fruit can build up when it gets too hot, causing the melons to split open.

Why are watermelons square in Japan?

Two reasons actually. First, the square watermelons are easier to stack, which makes them easier to ship. Second, and perhaps most ingeniously, with space being an issue in crowded areas of Japan, the square watermelon is designed to fit perfectly inside smaller Japanese refrigerators.

Is watermelon from Africa?

Background and Aims Watermelons, Citrullus species (Cucurbitaceae), are native to Africa and have been cultivated since ancient times.

Why are cubed watermelon so expensive?

The high price tag is because growing these novelty fruits is pretty labor-intensive. Science doesn’t get any credit for the watermelon’s square shape, though — it’s all about molding. Japan certainly has a reputation for the bizarre and some farmers have even begun growing pyramid and heart-shaped watermelons.

Are square watermelons genetically modified?

Square watermelons are not GMOs. They are created by growing watermelons in square containers.

Why is my watermelon hollow inside?

Well, it means that your growing watermelons may not be getting properly pollinated or that seeds are dying during development. Since watermelon hollow heart isn’t a disease, but rather a failure in the seed production process of your watermelons, the fruits are perfectly safe to eat.

Why is my watermelon fizzy?

Experts in this area considered that when a watermelon becomes over-matured and/or is fermenting, the pressure inside the watermelon increases and this may result in the “foaming” phenomenon. If “foaming” is observed in a watermelon, it is possible that the watermelon is already starting to rot.

What are black watermelons?

Black Beauty watermelons are small and round to oval in shape. Their skin is thick, smooth, and dark green with green-black striping. The flesh is deep red, juicy, and tender with a few round black seeds. Black Beauty watermelons are crisp and juicy with a very sweet flavor.

When is Watermelon in season in Japan?

Watermelon (Suika スイカ) and Japanese summer go together like fireworks and yukata. This refreshing fruit is in season from June to August and is best eaten during beach parties or while relaxing on your porch at home. But no matter where you decide to eat it, its taste means summer. Japanese Watermelon Make A Fancy Gift

What is suikawari (watermelon smashing)?

Suikawari, or watermelon smashing, is a classic Japanese beach activity in summer. Similar to the Mexican piñata, suikawari involves blindfolded players trying to smash open a watermelon guided by the shouts of their friends. Usually, a sheet or piece of cardboard sits under the watermelon.

Why do Japanese add salt to their watermelon?

Japanese fruits is generally sweeter than the fruit most people are used to. But this is not the reason you will sometimes see Japanese add salt to their watermelon. There are three possible reasons for adding salt to a watermelon. Firstly, salt increases the already sweet taste of the fruit.

What are the rules of the watermelon Smash game?

The rules are similar to piñata. A watermelon is laid out, and participants one by one attempt to smash it open. Each is blindfolded, spun around three times, and handed a wooden stick, or bokken, to strike with. The first to crack the watermelon open wins. Afterwards the chunks of watermelon produced are shared among participants.