Seedless Watermelon from Mayang

Seedless Watermelon from Mayang

　　Mayang is a magical Miao town where most of the soil is derived from weathered purple shale, and its temperatures are typically 1–2 degrees higher than those of neighboring counties and cities, making it one of the best regions for growing watermelons. The watermelons of Mayang are rather distinctive, as they contain a wide range of nutrients and chemical substances. Analysis reveals that in 500 grams of Mayang watermelon flesh, there are 6 grams of protein, 40 grams of sugar, 15 grams of crude fiber, 0.6 grams of potassium, 50 milligrams of phosphorus, 30 milligrams of calcium, 1 milligram of iron, 10 milligrams of sodium, 42 milligrams of magnesium, 14 milligrams of chlorine, 15 milligrams of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 1 milligram of niacin, 0.85 milligrams of carotene (vitamin A), 0.25 milligrams of thiamine (vitamin B1), and 0.25 milligrams of riboflavin (vitamin B2). The protein and sugar content in 500 grams of Mayang watermelon flesh is equivalent to the calories produced by 56 grams of wheat (corn or barley) — approximately 20 kilocalories — which can provide energy for normal human physiological activities.

　　The people of Mayang have a long-standing tradition of growing watermelons, but before the 1980s, farmers cultivated only seeded varieties, which were rarely sold outside the area, resulting in minimal economic benefits. In 1988, the county’s Foreign Economic Cooperation Office (now the Economic and Trade Bureau) introduced seedless watermelon seeds and cultivation techniques. After successful trial planting in Limu Village, Lanli Town, the practice was gradually extended across the entire county. The planted area expanded from just over ten acres to more than 40,000 acres, with annual output value reaching hundreds of millions of yuan. Due to Mayang’s unique geography, climate, and soil conditions, its seedless watermelons are of high quality, with a sugar content higher than similar products. Individual fruits can weigh up to 20 kilograms, though most range between 6 and 12 kilograms. The produce is sold to more than ten provinces and cities, including Guangdong, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Guizhou.

　　The people of Mayang have extensive experience in cultivating seedless watermelons. They use plastic mulching along with warm-bed seed germination and seedling cultivation to advance the growing season, solving the problems of not being able to plant during the “plum rain” season and achieving low yields. In the past, only cucumbers were available in Mayang during the Dragon Boat Festival, but now watermelons are not only on the market at that time but can also be harvested alongside citrus fruits.

　　Today, growing seedless watermelons has become a pillar industry in Mayang that enriches the people and strengthens the county.