Citrullus Ianatus
Production Calendar
Cultivated Area
Watermelon, also known as “cocomero,” is a fruit with a round or oval shape, often large and heavy, weighing up to 20-25 kg. The watermelon plant belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, the same family as cucumbers, zucchinis, pumpkins, and melons. It is an annual herbaceous plant that can produce up to 100 watermelons per specimen.
Extremely rich in water, accounting for about 95%, watermelon is highly hydrating. The pulp has a sweet taste due to sugars and aromatic substances. Watermelon is a source of minerals, especially potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as vitamins A and C. It is also rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, and lycopene, typical of tomatoes and red vegetables. Watermelon is also rich in a particular amino acid, citrulline.
Watermelon is produced from May to August, covering an area of 150 hectares, including 100 hectares of greenhouse and 50 hectares of open field.
In the greenhouse: The greenhouse-grown product is harvested in May and June. Transplanting begins in early February and continues until the end of March. The maturation cycle is about 90 days.
In open fields: Field crops are harvested in July and August. Transplanting takes place between early April and the first decade of June. The maturation cycle is about 60-70 days.
The annual production is approximately 120,000 quintals. Watermelon is harvested in the field and transferred in bins to the processing center, where it is packaged in cardboard crates or cardboard and/or wooden bins, according to customer preferences.
