Farmers have begun growing square-shaped watermelons for this season, a specialty unique to the city of Zentsuji on Shikoku island, western Japan.

Local farmers grow the watermelons in plastic containers to make them square-shaped. About 800 square-shaped watermelons are expected to be sent across Japan by mid-July.

The square-shaped watermelons are about 19 centimeters long, are not so sweet and are reportedly popular as an ornament. Each of them sells for up to 25,000 yen.

An 84-year-old farmer succeeded in growing square-shaped watermelons about 30 years ago and has now a patent for containers to grow them.

(每日新闻)

By Sun Tzu on 01-07-2007