Tamtam Watermelons
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Description/Taste
Tamtam watermelons vary in size, depending on growing conditions, but are generally a medium to large varietal, averaging 4 to 8 kilograms in weight, sometimes reaching up to 10 kilograms. The fruit is known for its distinct appearance and typically has an elongated oval, cylindrical shape with blunt, curved ends, sometimes narrowing at one end. The rind is smooth, hard, and taut, with a faint sheen and a moderate thickness. The variety’s rind also has a distinct light green hue, covered in dark green mottled striping and spots. The striping is not well-defined and is unique to each fruit. Underneath the surface, the red flesh is thick, dense, and aqueous with a firm, crisp, and crunchy consistency. The flesh also encases large brown seeds. Tatam watermelons release a subtle fragrance when cut open and are edible once ripe. The fruits have a high sugar content, creating a refreshing, sweet, and sugary taste.
Seasons/Availability
Tamtam watermelons are available in the summer.
Current Facts
Tamtam watermelons, botanically classified as Citrullus lanatus, are a specialty variety belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The F1 melon is an early-ripening variety harvested approximately 58 to 62 days after sowing. Tamtam watermelons are grown throughout Central Asia and are favored for their distinct shape, crisp nature, and sweet taste. The variety is commercially produced in open fields or greenhouses and is favored by growers for its drought tolerance, early ripening nature, disease resistance, high yields, and sugary taste. The rind’s pale green striped coloring also prevents it from getting burned in hot climates, making it a favorite in warm growing regions. Since their introduction into Central Asian markets in the early 21st century, Tamtam watermelons are transported outside of their growing regions due to their extended storage capabilities and are taken to neighboring cities as a seasonal delicacy. The hardy melon attracts consumers for its unusual shape and is prized as a versatile fresh-eating fruit.
Nutritional Value
Tamtam watermelons have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Watermelons, in general, are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract, vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functions and vitamin B6 for brain development. Watermelons provide lycopene, an organic pigment known as a carotenoid with antioxidant-like properties to reduce inflammation and protect the cells against damage caused by free radicals. During the summer, watermelons are seen as a source of hydration in hot climates, including Central Asia, due to their high water content.
Applications
Tamtam watermelons have a mild, sweet, and sugary flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is typically consumed out of hand and is valued for its crisp, juicy, and refreshing nature. Tamtam watermelons can be sliced as a snack, diced and mixed with fresh herbs into salads, or added to fruit bowls as a crisp ingredient. They can also be pureed into gazpacho or blended into juice and mixed into smoothies, shakes, cocktails, and sparkling beverages. Try pureeing and freezing Tamtam watermelons into ice cream, sorbet, or shaved ice. In addition to fresh preparations, Tamtam watermelons can be simmered into marmalades, jams, jellies, and syrups. They can also be lightly grilled for a savory-sweet taste or stir-fried with fresh herbs. In Central Asia, watermelons are popularly pickled for extended use. Pickling allows the melons to be stored throughout the winter season, when fresh fruits are harder to come by, and the pickled fruits have a salty, sweet, and tangy taste. Pickled watermelons can be added to salads or used to top bread and crackers. Tamtam watermelons pair well with herbs such as mint, cilantro, basil, and parsley, and cheeses including feta, goat, and mozzarella. Whole, unopened Tamtam watermelons will keep for several weeks or up to one month, when stored in a cool, dry, and dark location. Once cut, the slices of fruit should be placed in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Watermelons are an anticipated seasonal crop throughout Central Asia and are often celebrated at regional festivals. Watermelon festivals are typically held near the melon’s growing regions and are used to promote the fruits while increasing tourism and community relationships. In Kazakhstan, watermelon festivals are often held in Kyzyl Orda, Almaty, Pavlodar, and Shymkent, and these celebrations attract visitors through watermelon-eating competitions, watermelon carving, and even watermelon weightlifting. In Russia, one of the most famous watermelon festivals is the celebration in Kamyshin, a city in Volgograd Oblast. The festival was established in 2007 and was created as the region has historically been known for its watermelon production. The watermelon festival features contests that showcase the region's largest-grown melons and has events such as watermelon bowling, parades, theatrical performances, and races. The city of Kamyshin also has a local legend that recounts the story of Peter the Great. Legend has it that he visited Kamyshin in 1722 and tried the locally grown watermelons. Peter the Great was impressed with the fruits and later recreated the beloved melons out of copper as a decoration on the spire of the town hall in Dmitrievsk. This legend was said to have inspired the city of Kamyshin to create a festival to promote their renowned crop.
Geography/History
Tamtam watermelons were developed by Enza Zaden Beheer, a global fruit and vegetable breeding company. Enza Zaden Beheer was established in the Netherlands in 1938 and has expanded to have offices in over twenty-five countries worldwide. The exact origins of Tamtam watermelons are unknown beyond being created by Enza Zaden Beheer. The variety was officially registered with the State Variety Commission in Russia in 2018 and was recommended for open-field cultivation in the North Caucasus and Lower Volga regions. Outside of these regions in Russia, Tamtam watermelons can be grown in greenhouses. The variety also spread in cultivation throughout melon-growing regions of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan. In Kazakhstan, watermelons are cultivated in the southern areas and in Almaty and Zhambyl. The Tamtam watermelons featured in the photograph above were sourced through the Zhanalyk Village Market in the Almaty region, Kazakhstan.
