The city of Zentsuji in western Japan has started this year's shipments of ornamental square watermelons on Monday, with each fruit priced at about 10,000 yen ($70). A total of eight growers plan to deliver around 300 watermelons from the city through mid-July. Harvested while still unripe, the melons are not suitable for eating and are generally purchased as ornaments.
The city began production about 50 years ago in an attempt to raise its profile, with the watermelons shaped into about 18-centimeter cubes by being grown in a square container once they reach a certain size. The number of square watermelon farmers had been in decline in recent years, but three new young growers appeared this year.
Source: english.kyodonews.net