Core Insights - China is the world's largest producer and consumer of watermelons, with an annual production of approximately 60 million tons, accounting for about 60% of global output [1] - The average annual watermelon consumption per person in China is nearly 100 pounds [1] - Henan province is the leading region for watermelon cultivation, with an area of around 3 million acres and an annual production exceeding 10 million tons [1][3] Production and Cultivation - In Henan, over half of the watermelons are grown in open fields, while greenhouse cultivation covers nearly 1.5 million acres [3] - The average yield of watermelons in Henan exceeds 3,000 kilograms per acre, which is more than double the global average [3] - Advanced agricultural techniques, such as drip irrigation, are employed to enhance precision in irrigation and fertilization [4] Market Trends - In the northern Henan region, particularly in Yan Jin County, farmers are busy harvesting and preparing for a projected market supply of 14,000 tons of watermelons by summer 2025 [2] - In Beijing's Daxing District, a new trend of vertical watermelon cultivation is emerging, with smaller, early-maturing varieties gaining popularity [6][7] Quality and Sweetness - The sugar content of watermelons has increased over the years, with new varieties achieving sugar levels around 13%, compared to 10% in the 1970s [18] - The 2025 watermelons are expected to be sweeter, with improved cultivation techniques contributing to this enhancement [10][21] - The Daxing District has produced record-breaking watermelons, with one weighing 97.75 kilograms, showcasing the potential for larger fruit [11][12] Research and Development - The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences is at the forefront of watermelon breeding, having developed over 50 new varieties and significantly shortening the breeding cycle from 6-8 years to 2-3 years [14][15] - Ongoing research focuses on enhancing the flavor and overall quality of watermelons, addressing consumer preferences for sweetness, texture, and appearance [20][21] Consumer Preferences - There is a growing demand for smaller watermelons, around 2-3 pounds, to cater to families and reduce waste [21] - Consumers are encouraged to select watermelons based on visual and auditory cues to ensure ripeness and quality [22]

2025年西瓜更甜 3斤小瓜更受青睐 河南省种植的西瓜，一半以上是露地瓜，大棚种植有近150万亩。数据显示，河南省西瓜亩产，目前超过3000公斤，是世界平均水平的1倍 多，"良种+良法"是种瓜秘诀。 河南封丘大沙村的一片露地瓜田采用滴灌技术，可以做到精准灌溉、精准施肥。 中国农业科学院郑州果树研究所西瓜育种专家路绪强介绍，这一片地采用"小麦套种西瓜套种红薯"，当然也可以套种玉米、套种辣椒的方式来 增加土地的利用率，保证粮食产量的同时，提高农民的效益。 在大家的传统印象中，西瓜都是"躺"在地上生长的。而在北京市最大的西瓜产区——大兴区，这里的不少西瓜都是"直立生长"的。这种空中立 体种植的方式有哪些优势？ 央视网消息：三伏天，来一口西瓜，清甜爽口又解暑。我国西瓜年产量在6000万吨左右，约占全球的60%，出口和进口量相对来说都比较少。 可以说，我国是世界上最大的西瓜生产国和消费国。粗略来算，我国平均每人每年消耗西瓜将近100斤。河南是全国西瓜种植面积最大的省 份，种植面积达300万亩左右，年产量1000多万吨，连续多年位居全国第一。全国每产出5个西瓜就有1个来自河南。眼下，正是河南露地西瓜 集中上市的时候。 在 ...