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Nitsa watermelons are moderately sized, round to oval fruits, ranging from 11 to 22 pounds. The dark green rind is smooth, thick, and firm, covered in mottled, light green striping. Underneath the surface, the portion of the rind that connects to the flesh is pale green to white and is crunchy with a vegetal flavor. The red flesh is aqueous and dense with a granular consistency, encasing many small and rough, black-brown seeds. Nitsa watermelons have a high sugar content emitting a sweet, subtly fruity flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Nitsa watermelons are available in the summer in Central Asia and select regions of Europe.
Current Facts
Nitsa watermelons, botanically classified as Citrullus lanatus, are one of the most popular early-maturing varieties grown in Central Asia. Also, sometimes known as Nice or Nica watermelons, the official name, Nitsa, was created from a combination of Russian words and sounds and was not named after the city in France. Watermelons are grown throughout Central Asia, especially in Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan, and are an essential source of fluids in arid desert regions. Throughout the summer, roadside stands, street vendors, and pop-up stalls appear to sell the abundant harvest, and watermelons are highly regarded in Central Asia as a cleansing snack to purify the body. In addition to markets, watermelon varieties such as Nitsa are also frequently planted in dachas, or family homestead gardens, as the fruits are favored for their high yields, sweet flavor, and extended storage capabilities.
Nutritional Value
Nitsa watermelons are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can boost the immune system and increase collagen production within the skin. The fruits also contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant that gives the flesh its red hue and helps fight against free radicals within the body.
Applications
Nitsa watermelons are best suited for raw preparations as their sweet, juicy flesh is showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand. The flesh can be sliced, cubed, or balled and served with bread as a snack, tossed into fruit bowls and green salads, or layered on appetizer plates with berries, meats, and cheeses. The flesh can also be blended with ice, juiced and frozen into popsicles, mixed into smoothies, incorporated into cocktails, or used to make specialty beers. In addition to fresh preparations, Nitsa watermelons are commonly dried, pickled, or boiled into a syrup for extended use during the harsh winter months in Russia. Known as nardek, watermelon juice is reduced multiple times into a thick syrup and is used in pastries, cakes, pies, and as a condiment. Nitsa watermelons pair well with berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, other fruits such as peaches, coconut, and citrus, herbs such as mint, basil, and cilantro, and spices such as ginger, dill, and cayenne. Whole Nitsa melons can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or refrigerated for 2-3 weeks. Once cut, the slices should be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Southern Russia, the Astrakhan Watermelon Festival is an annual summer event that highlights the importance of watermelon cultivation in the Astrakhan region. The festival holds different competitions using numerous varieties such as the Nitsa to celebrate the diversity among watermelons. Events at the festival include watermelon speed eating, decorative carving, and a watermelon outfit contest, and many vendors sell watermelon-inspired food dishes, beverages, and household goods throughout the event. The All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Vegetable Growing and Melon Growing (VNIIOB) also participates in the festival by allowing visitors to sample experimental watermelon varieties with improved appearances and flavors.
Geography/History
There is some debate around the origins of the Nitsa watermelon. One theory was written in a gardening book by Russian author Nikolai Ivanovich, who claimed the variety was first grown in Uzbekistan in the 1980s. Other experts allude to the variety being developed in Krasnodar, Russia, in the early 2000s. Despite its muddled history, Nitsa watermelons are a cross between the varieties Crimson Sweet and Monastyrskiy and are cultivated throughout Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The Nitsa watermelons featured in the photograph above were grown in the Chardara region of Southern Kazakhstan and were purchased at a local market in Almaty.
Kazakhfilm weekend food fair
Vishnevaya 32, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Nitsa watermelons from South Kazakhstan are known for their moderately sweet and subtly fruity flavor. These watermelons typically weigh between 11 and 22 pounds, featuring a thick, smooth dark green rind with light green striping. The red flesh inside is dense, aqueous, and granular, surrounded by pale green to white rind. They also contain numerous small, rough, black-brown seeds.
Watermelon festival
TRK "Atakent, ул. Тимирязева 42, Алматы 050000, Казахстан
Nitsa watermelons are versatile and popular in raw dishes for their juicy sweetness. Their flesh can be cubed, sliced, or balled and served with bread, among fruits in salads, or with meats and cheeses on appetizer plates. In cold drinks, they are blended or juiced for smoothies, popsicles, and cocktails. For winter use, they are pickled or boiled into a syrup called nardek, which enhances pastries and desserts. They pair well with berries, peaches, mint, and ginger.
Roadside market of watermelons and melons
Almaty-Konayev highway
Nitsa watermelons are a hybrid variety created from Crimson Sweet and Monastyrskiy watermelons. They are cultivated widely across Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, but those in South Kazakhstan are specifically grown in the Chardara region. Despite debates over their origin, this variety gained attention due to its unique cultivation history and widespread availability across multiple countries.
Ecofreshmarket
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, 13, Almatt, Kazakhstan
Nitsa watermelons, a popular early-maturing variety in Central Asia, are especially grown in countries like Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Beyond their sweet taste, these watermelons are valued in the region's arid climates as a hydrating and cleansing snack. Frequently sold at roadside stands during the summer, they're also grown in family gardens for their high yields and extended storage capabilities, making them a staple of the season.
Supermarket Magnum
ул. Радостовца 292, Алматы 050060, Казахстан
Astrakhan Watermelon Festival celebrates the watermelon’s cultural significance in Southern Russia. Held annually in summer, it features events like watermelon speed eating, decorative carving, and even a watermelon outfit contest. Visitors enjoy unique watermelon-inspired dishes and try experimental varieties developed by the All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Vegetable Growing and Melon Growing.
Zhanaarna seasonal food market
Zhanaarna village, Almaty region, Kazakhstan
Nitsa watermelon: The Nitsa watermelon is a moderately sized fruit, weighing between 11 to 22 pounds, with a smooth, dark green rind accented by light green striping. Its vibrant red flesh is dense and juicy, offering a granular texture. Known for its high sugar content, this watermelon is deliciously sweet with subtle fruity undertones, making it a delightful choice for hydration and refreshment.
Zhanaarna seasonal market
Zhanaarna village, Almaty oblast, Kazakhstan
Nitsa watermelons showcase their sweet, juicy flesh best when consumed fresh or used in creative recipes. Their flesh can be blended into smoothies, juices, or specialty beers and even boiled into watermelon syrup known as nardek for pastries and sauces. They pair well with berries, peaches, herbs like mint or basil, and spices like ginger. Whole melons last 1-2 weeks at room temperature, and cut slices remain fresh in the fridge up to five days.
Baganashyl vegetable store Aqbota
Zhangirkhan str. 103, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Nitsa watermelons are renowned in Central Asia for their early-maturity, high yields, sweet taste, and long storage capabilities. They are particularly popular in arid regions like Kazakhstan for their hydrating properties. Often sold in summer roadside stands, they are also grown in family homestead gardens, known as dachas, and enjoyed as a cleansing snack for purifying the body amidst the warm climate.
Zhana Arna open air food market
Almaty Taldykorgan highway
Nitsa watermelons are believed to originate from either Uzbekistan in the 1980s, as per Russian author Nikolai Ivanovich, or Krasnodar, Russia, in the early 2000s. This variety is a hybrid of Crimson Sweet and Monastyrskiy watermelons. They are cultivated across regions like Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The ones in the photograph were grown in Southern Kazakhstan's Chardara region and sold in Almaty markets.
Ecofresh market
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, Isinaliyeva st. 13, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Astrakhan Watermelon Festival: Southern Russia's Astrakhan Watermelon Festival celebrates regional watermelon cultivation, including varieties like the Nitsa. Exciting activities like speed eating contests, decorative carving, and a watermelon outfit contest bring vibrant energy, while vendors offer watermelon-inspired foods, drinks, and items. The VNIIOB showcases experimental watermelon varieties for visitors to sample.
