Lanzhou Watermelon

Lanzhou Watermelon

　　Lanzhou watermelons come in a rich assortment of varieties, boasting a cultivation history of at least 300 years. They are divided into two main types: "Shanghe Melon" and "Hansha Melon." The "Shanghe Melon" is mainly grown in the areas along the Yellow River in Xigu District, whereas the "Hansha Melon" is predominantly cultivated in the dry sandy fields north of the Yellow River. Lanzhou watermelons feature a diverse range of cultivars that evolve rapidly, with over 30 varieties currently available. The most widely planted is the P2 watermelon, which is known for its high yield, strong resistance, vigorous growth, excellent quality, large size, sweet taste, juicy flesh, fine texture, minimal seeds, soft and sandy flesh, and refreshing flavor. It typically has a sugar content of 10–11%, ripens early, has a short growth cycle, and is available on the market as early as early July. The White Flower Skin watermelon also features high yield, short maturity period, thin rind, high sugar content, and few seeds. It is one of the fastest-developing, earliest-available, and most economically beneficial varieties in Lanzhou. Among the mid-season varieties, Zhongyu No.1 has a green rind, round fruit, and an average weight of 4–5 kilograms. Its rind is thin and crispy, while the flesh is bright red, fine-textured, low in fiber, juicy, and sweet—with a sugar content generally exceeding 10%. The late-maturing variety is represented by 74–5–1, which wins praise from consumers for its large size and high sugar content. It is notable for its good storability and is considered the most storage-resistant and transport-friendly watermelon variety among those grown in Lanzhou.

　　Lanzhou seed melon is a distinctive local variety and a major specialty of Lanzhou. As a variant within the watermelon species, it resembles a regular watermelon but is smaller, with an average single fruit weight of 2–3 kilograms. Its surface is smooth, light green in color, and marked with dark green stripes. The flesh is yellowish-white, relatively sweet, and contains a high quantity of large seeds. (Lanzhou)