Square melons on the way

For those who struggle to man-handle a melon, help is at hand. For Tesco has developed a new square version which can be sliced like a loaf of bread. The supermarket says many people are put off the refreshing and healthy fruit because it rolls around in the fridge, or it is difficult to slice and eat.
Now, they have adopted growing techniques, which originated in Japan, to offer the square versions. There is no weird science or genetic modification involved in the process. Rather, wooden boxes with clear sides are placed around the growing fruit which naturally swells to fill the surrounding shape.
Tesco exotic fruit buyer Damien Sutherland: 'We've seen samples of these watermelons and they literally stop you in their tracks because they are so eye-catching.
'Melons are among the most delicious and refreshing fruit around but some people find them a problem to store in their fridge or to cut because they roll around.
'These square melons will make it easier than ever to eat because they can be served in long strips rather than in the crescent shape.'
The melons, which feature distinctive dark green and yellow stripes, are being grown in Brazil by one of Tesco's regular suppliers and take 60 days to reach maturity.
Square melons are already available in Japan where they are sold for about 10.000 yen or roughly a sky high £46, appealing only to the very rich as show piece food.
In the last year demand for watermelons has grown by 20 % according to independent retail analysts TNS while at Tesco demand has grown by 46 % during the same time.