Watermelon is a common fruit in daily life, known for its sweetness, juiciness, and rich nutrition, making it a favorite among many. However, sometimes we often buy watermelons that aren't sweet. So, why does a watermelon sometimes not taste sweet? Let's find out together.
1. Variety-related reasons
The sweetness of a watermelon is largely related to its variety; some watermelon varieties are not very sweet to begin with.
2. Inappropriate temperature and lighting
During the fruit growth period, excessively high or low temperatures will reduce the sugar content of watermelons. In addition, watermelons are very sensitive to light conditions. Insufficient light results in weak photosynthesis, less fruit production, and insufficient nutrient supply to the fruit, which affects sugar accumulation.
3. Maturity
During the later stages of watermelon growth, sucrose continuously accumulates within the fruit, increasing its sweetness. If harvested too early, insufficient sugar accumulation will result in a less sweet watermelon.
4. Unsuitable soil
Watermelons have certain soil requirements. They are best grown on well-drained slopes, and the soil should ideally be sandy. This is why people often say " watermelons from sandy soil are sweet."
5. Improper fertilization
Watermelons need nitrogen fertilizer to grow and develop, but excessive nitrogen fertilizer can lead to thick rinds, poor taste, and low sugar content. In addition, excessive phosphorus can also cause the rind to thicken. Furthermore, deficiencies in other trace elements such as boron, copper, zinc, and manganese can also affect watermelon growth and reduce sweetness.
6. Improper watering
If the water supply is inadequate and the drought lasts too long, it will hinder the accumulation of sugar.
7. The impact of diurnal temperature variation
The intensity of the temperature difference between day and night determines the quality of watermelons to some extent. The greater the temperature difference between day and night, the higher the sugar content of the watermelon will be, and the sweeter it will taste.
