Miniball Watermelon
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Miniball watermelons are small in size, averaging 6 to 7 centimeters in diameter and 7 to 11 centimeters in length, and have a round to oblong shape with blunt, curved ends. The petite variety ranges from 550 to 650 grams in weight and often fits into the palm of the hand. The rind is smooth, thin, taut, and firm, showcasing a pale green hue with dark green mottled striping. Some of the striping may be faint, and each watermelon has a unique pattern. The skin is technically edible and has a vegetal, green, and subtly grassy taste. There is also no white portion of the rind just beneath the skin. The bright red flesh is crisp, aqueous, airy, and textured with a succulent, refreshing consistency. The flesh also encases a few small black-brown seeds that are chewy and crunchy. Miniball watermelons release a faint, sweet, and honeyed aroma and are edible raw once ripe. The variety has a moderate sugar content, around 8 to 11 degrees Brix, creating a sweet but not overly sugary taste with a mild fruitiness.
Seasons/Availability
Miniball watermelons are typically available in the summer. As cultivation increases, especially in greenhouses, the variety may appear throughout the year.
Current Facts
Miniball watermelons, botanically classified as Citrullus lanatus, are a specialty variety belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The petite melons were developed in Taiwan and were selected for commercial production for their small size and refreshing, crisp, and sweet flesh. Miniball watermelons were released to the public in 2023 and are a premium variety currently sold through select markets and retailers. The cultivar is distinct from other watermelons as it can fit in the palm of the hand, has thin, edible skin, and releases an unusual fragrance. Miniball watermelons are labor intensive, cultivated in greenhouses and open fields in southern Taiwan, and most growers only allow one fruit per vine to develop, ensuring each fruit receives the maximum amount of nutrients, sugar, and overall quality. The watermelons are harvested approximately 50 to 70 days after sowing and can be grown in smaller areas compared to larger-sized varieties. Once harvested, Miniball watermelons have extended storage properties and are promoted as an individually sized delicacy. Since their release, Miniball watermelons have increased in popularity as more consumers throughout Taiwan become familiar with them, and the fruits are utilized for individual use or as a gift to friends and family.
Nutritional Value
Miniball watermelons have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties. The small fruits are said to be a source of vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning and have a high water content to provide reprieve on hot, summer days. Watermelons, in general, contain potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, magnesium to control nerve functions, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, and other nutrients, including zinc, phosphorus, and B vitamins. The red coloring in the flesh indicates the presence of lycopene, a carotenoid and organic pigment that has antioxidant properties to guard the cells against the damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Applications
Miniball watermelons have a refreshing, sweet, and delicate taste suited for fresh preparations. The variety is designed for individual use or sharing with a few people and is promoted as being able to be consumed in one sitting. Miniball watermelons have edible skin, but care should be taken to research the farm where it is grown before eating the skin. Most growers do not use pesticides on the fruits, but as more farms participate in cultivating the product, more research needs to be conducted before declaring that the skin is safe to eat. The skin, flesh, and seeds are edible if the fruits are grown using clean methods. Miniball watermelons can be sliced in half and scooped with a spoon or cut into wedges and eaten like an orange. They can also be sliced and tossed with fresh herbs in salads, diced into salsas and slaws, or served on appetizer platters. In Taiwan, watermelons are popularly blended into various drinks as a reprieve from heat on summer days. Miniball watermelons can be used in any recipe calling for watermelons, and the rind is sometimes cleaned and used as a natural, festive glass. Miniball watermelon flesh can also be balled and dropped into drinks, or the juice can be frozen into flavorful ice cubes. In addition to beverages, Miniball watermelons can be made into jellies, used to flavor shaved ice, or pureed or frozen into sherbet and ice cream. Miniball watermelons pair well with honey, balsamic vinegar, other fruits including kiwi, mango, berries, and guava, herbs such as mint, parsley, and cilantro, and cheeses such as feta, mozzarella, and goat. Whole, unopened Miniball watermelons will keep for 3 to 4 weeks when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, primarily the refrigerator. It is recommended that the fruits be consumed soon after purchase for the best quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Miniball watermelons were named for their size and shape. The variety was first released in Taiwan and many consumers commented that they were about the size of a baseball or softball, giving them their ball moniker. They also noted that the watermelon could be held and eaten with one hand, much like holding a ball. Taiwan was an ideal market for mini watermelons as most households have small refrigerators with limited space. The variety is also advertised for individuals and smaller families who may typically refrain from buying large watermelons due to their size. Miniball watermelons debuted at the 2023 Taipei International Food Exhibition, also known as Food Taipei. The variety was showcased in partnership with the Kaohsiung City Government Agriculture Bureau and received acclaim at the prestigious food show. This debut led to the first official partnership with FamilyMart in 2024, as the grocery chain seeks to capture singles and small families with these smaller-sized watermelons.
Geography/History
Miniball watermelons were developed by the Nongyou Seedling Company, also called Known-You, in Taiwan. The Taiwanese seed company has been breeding and releasing new varieties since 1968 and developed Miniball watermelons from trials attempting to breed varieties with short-stemmed vines and upright cultivation. The exact history of Miniball watermelons is unknown, but interviews with employees of Nongyou have mentioned that the fruits were noticed in various trials and were selected for further examination and breeding as a new miniature-sized watermelon. Miniball watermelons were developed over six years before they were released in 2023. The variety can be grown in outdoor cultivation and greenhouses and was first planted through select partnerships with farmers in Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Chiayi in Taiwan. Today, Miniball watermelons are grown in limited quantities in southern Taiwan and are sold across the country in high-end supermarkets and select local markets. The Miniball watermelons featured in the photograph above were sourced from the First Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market in Taipei, Taiwan.
