Visakhapatnam: Unique yellow and pink watermelons have hit the markets in Visakhapatnam city, bringing a sense of excitement among buyers. Fruit traders have sourced them from the border areas of Maharashtra and Telangana.
Externally, these fruits resemble the traditional watermelons, with a familiar green rind. But when they are cut open, they reveal bright yellow flesh that delight anyone who tries them at the vendors’ shops.
Known scientifically as Citrullus lanatus, this remarkable type of watermelon hails from Africa. It is a valuable source of vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that can help boost immunity.
District Horticulture director K.S.N. Reddy explains that these watermelons are classified as icebox varieties. There is the Vishal variety, featuring a yellow outer skin with red flesh, and Anmol variety, distinguished by its dark green and light green outer skin with vibrant yellow flesh. There is also the classic New Sugar Baby variety, with its red and black exterior and red flesh.
These watermelons are also being cultivated in some parts of Tirupati, apart from Tamil Nadu and Goa. Farmers invest around ₹2 lakh on the crop and can hope to receive a return of ₹3 lakh.
Many of the farmers are selling these watermelons directly in the local markets. Some are also selling them through supermarkets.
