What started as a small test several years ago has now grown into a greenhouse full of Dutch watermelons! Roel de Bakker is the grower who started this. He actually grows 2 varieties of watermelons. These are the Dutch watermelon and the Piccolino melon. One of these two even has an edible skin! Also, none of these melons will have ugly spots, curious? Then read on!
Different way of growing
You often see melons laying on the ground in a large field. This is because the plant is a scrambling plant, so it will find its way in the field by itself. The fruit grows safely on the ground and can be picked when ripe. This method of cultivation does have one disadvantage. That's that the melons often get lying spots that don't look very nice. It won't make any difference to the taste, but it doesn't look nice.
In the Netherlands we don't have the space to plant large fields of melons. Therefore, Roel and others are looking at another solution. The plants are now hung on strings and tied around them. The plant climbs up by itself and holds itself to the rope. This way is labor intensive because the plant has to be guided around the string every so often. However, the big advantage is that much less surface area is needed and the melons hang. So they don't lie on the ground and will always have a nice even color and shape! This can be clearly seen in the video.
The Dutch watermelon & the Piccolino melon
As mentioned earlier, Roel de Bakker grows two different types of watermelons. They are both small watermelons, so don't expect the kilo-sized big ones. But that certainly doesn't make them less special!
The Dutch watermelon
These melons taste delicious and have a nice thin skin. They also have more flesh compared to watermelons from other countries. They weigh between 900 and 1200g each. A perfect size for sharing!
The Piccolino melon
The Piccolino is a special melon. It is even smaller than the Dutch watermelon. In weight, they are between 500 and 700 grams. It is precisely a handful. Therefore perfect to eat on your own! In addition, the skin is also very thin and therefore easy to eat. So you can eat this melon whole! Of course, this is not necessary but it is a nice touch. This melon also brings many culinary possibilities. It can be cut into beautiful wedges which looks perfect on a plate!
Try them now before the season is over!
If If you have any remaining questions regarding zucchini specialties, don't hestitate to contact me! Johnny Vermeer, via Dit e-mailadres wordt beveiligd tegen spambots. JavaScript dient ingeschakeld te zijn om het te bekijken.and I will help you!
