Two new varieties of melon and watermelon, known for their high quality, firmness, stronger flavour and fewer seeds, were successfully introduced into Chile as part of a project conducted by the Faculty of Agronomy of the Catholic University and co-funded by the Foundation for Agrarian Innovation (FIA), the Ministry of Agriculture.
The initiative sought to assess productive cultivars of both species and improve them, to market them within the ready to eat processed food market.
After four years of work, the team led by agronomist, Dr. Christian Krarup, selected the Glamour and Diva varieties of melon, as well as the Ashira and Maxima varieties of watermelons, as the most suitable to be diced and sold in plastic containers.
The first stage's goal is to win over the local consumer through major supermarket chains, and in the future, the goal is to incorporate this product to national export offer.
"Developed countries have evolved to use fruit and vegetables with higher added value, such as fresh processed products. In U.S. this market amounts to an annual value of U.S. $ 16,000 million," says Christian Krarup.
He also says that there has been an increase in consumption of melons and watermelons within the U.S. due to various reasons, specially, because they are being used more within the processed food sector. "Due to their physiolgical response, organoleptic and nutritional properties that make them attractive, both varieties signify an annual value of U.S. $1,500 million," he adds.
The main characteristic of the new varieties is their higher quality. The melon is sweeter and has a more intense colour. Meanwhile, the watermelon has a deep red colour, no seeds and a better flavour. According to FIA, these products will be marketed next season.
Source FIA