Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits in the summer, and seedless watermelons are hailed as a "black technology" of the modern fruit industry. However, are seedless watermelons truly "seedless"? This article will lead you to uncover the "mystery of the seeds" of seedless watermelons, understand their variety characteristics, cultivation techniques, genetic engineering, and other aspects, and explore their safety and future development trends.
I. Are Seedless Watermelons Really Seedless?
So-called seedless watermelons refer to fruits that do not contain edible hard seeds. However, in actual production, seedless watermelons are not completely seedless. Instead, they only contain some small and soft "ovules" inside the fruit. These "ovules" have a finer texture and are easier to digest compared to seeds. If seedless watermelons are consumed as truly "seedless," it may mislead consumers.
II. Differences in Watermelon Varieties
Seedless watermelons are not a specific variety of watermelon but are developed through artificial selection and breeding. Currently, the seedless watermelons sold on the market are mainly divided into two types: one is the famous "Sweetheart" watermelon, and the other is the "Yellow Fragrant" watermelon. The former has a heart-shaped fruit and a sweeter taste, while the latter is spherical and has a more refreshing taste.
III. Classification and Characteristics of Seeds
From a botanical perspective, the "ovules" in a watermelon fruit are actually a type of seed, just smaller and immature. According to their characteristics, watermelon seeds can be divided into two types: black seeds and white seeds. Black seeds are black or dark brown due to containing a large amount of anthocyanin, while white seeds are formed in the flesh and are pale yellow.
IV. Artificial Pollination and Asexual Reproduction
To cultivate seedless watermelons, breeders usually use artificial pollination methods for selection and screening based on natural pollination. In addition, asexual reproduction is also a method for cultivating seedless watermelons, including techniques such as in vitro culture, tissue culture, and gene editing.
V. Genetic Engineering and Seedless Watermelons
With the development of biotechnology, people are trying to use gene editing technology to cultivate better varieties of seedless watermelons. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture successfully cultivated a seedless watermelon in 2017, using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit related genes. This seedless watermelon has improved in quality and yield.
VI. Safety and Consumption Precautions
Although seedless watermelons are very popular in the market, some consumers still have doubts about their safety. In fact, seedless watermelons are as safe as regular watermelons and have no side effects. However, to ensure food safety, please choose regular manufacturers with production licenses and wash them before eating.
VII. Current Production and Sales Status
Currently, seedless watermelons have become one of the important varieties in the domestic and international fruit markets. According to statistics, the global annual output of seedless watermelons has reached tens of millions of tons. In China, seedless watermelons are mainly grown in Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, and other regions, with sales markets covering the whole country.
VIII. Future Development Direction of Seedless Watermelons
As people's requirements for food quality and safety become higher and higher, the cultivation and application of seedless watermelons will further expand. In the future, seedless watermelons may become one of the representatives of a new generation of healthy foods, bringing people more delicious and healthy enjoyment.
Although seedless watermelons are not completely "seedless," their cultivation techniques and quality have been greatly improved. Through the introduction of its variety characteristics, classification and characteristics of seeds, artificial pollination and asexual reproduction, genetic engineering and seedless watermelons, safety and consumption precautions, current production and sales status, and future development directions, we can have a more comprehensive understanding of this magical fruit and provide more choices for our lives.