{"id":59507,"date":"2025-06-09T09:36:32","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T00:36:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/?p=59507"},"modified":"2025-06-09T15:46:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T06:46:33","slug":"%e3%80%90%e3%81%b2%e3%81%be%e3%82%8f%e3%82%8a%e3%81%99%e3%81%84%e3%81%8b%e6%a0%bd%e5%9f%b9%e3%83%bb%e7%b3%96%e5%ba%a6%e6%a4%9c%e6%9f%bb%e3%80%91%e9%ab%98%e7%94%b0%e7%a7%8b%e5%85%89%e3%83%95%e3%82%a1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/59507\/","title":{"rendered":"[Sunflower watermelon cultivation and sugar content testing] Takada Akimitsu Farm [Hokuryu Sunflower Watermelon Producers Association]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Monday, June 9, 2025<\/p>\n

On June 6th, Hokuryu Town's "Sunflower Watermelon" underwent its first sugar content test. In tests conducted at Takada Farm and Sugimoto Farm, the "Sunflower Watermelon," characterized by its crunchy texture and refreshing sweetness, recorded above-average sugar contents of 12.8 degrees (Takada Farm) and 11.4 degrees (Sugimoto Farm). Tastings also rated the watermelons highly, with some saying they were "sweet and delicious," and it has been decided that the first shipment will be on June 11th, with the first auction on the 12th. These exquisite watermelons, glittering like sunflowers and made with the producers' love, will soon be delivered to you.<\/div>\n

First sugar content test of sunflower watermelon and shipping decision<\/h2>\n

Conducting sugar content tests<\/h3>\n

Overview of the first sugar content test<\/h4>\n

On Friday, June 6th, just before 7:00 a.m., the first sugar content tests were conducted on ripe sunflower watermelons at two farms: Takada Akimitsu Farm and Sugimoto Katsuhiro Farm.<\/p>\n

Characteristics of Sunflower Watermelon<\/h4>\n

"Sunflower Watermelon" is a small yellow watermelon that is characterized by its crispness and refreshing sweetness.<\/p>\n

\"Sunflower<\/a>
Sunflower watermelons waiting to be shipped!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mature<\/a>
Mature sunflower watermelon!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sugar content testing process<\/h4>\n

Sugar content testing is done to check the sugar content and ripeness of watermelons and determine when they can be shipped.<\/p>\n

Test results and tasting<\/h3>\n

Sugar content at Takada Farm<\/h4>\n

We selected ripe watermelons from the greenhouse, measured their weight, carefully cut them, cut out the center of the watermelon, squeezed the juice, and poured it into a sugar content meter to measure the sugar content.<\/p>\n

The sugar content was measured at 12.8 degrees Brix, which is sweeter than average!<\/p>\n

\"Sunflower<\/a>
Sunflower watermelon prepared for sugar content testing!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Test<\/a>
Test with a sugar meter!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"When<\/a>
When you cut it into pieces, a sweet aroma spreads...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A sweet aroma spread from the cut watermelon, and everyone tasted it to check the ripeness, texture of the fruit, and juiciness of the juice.<\/p>\n

"It's so sweet and delicious!" the refreshing and juicy Sunflower Watermelon was highly praised.<\/p>\n

\"Sweet<\/a>
Sweet and delicious!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sugar content at Sugimoto Farm<\/h4>\n

After that, a sugar content test was conducted in Sugimoto Katsuhiro's greenhouse, and the sugar content was found to be 11.4 degrees, and the taste was also found to be OK, so the decision was made to ship the fruit.<\/p>\n

\"At<\/a>
At Sugimoto Farmhouse...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Cut<\/a>
Cut out the center of the watermelon...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Measuring<\/a>
Measuring fruit juice with a saccharometer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"good!\"<\/a>
good!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Decision on shipping date and first auction<\/h3>\n

Announcement from JA Kitasorachi Fruit and Vegetable Department<\/h4>\n

Finally, Yuya Fujikawa from the JA Kitasorachi Produce Department announced the shipping date.<\/p>\n

"The sugar content test results showed that Takada's fruit was 12.8 degrees and Sugimoto's was 11.4 degrees, so the fruit will be shipped on Wednesday, June 11th, and the first auction will be on Thursday, June 12th," said Fujikawa.<\/p>\n

\"First<\/a>
First shipping and auction dates have been decided!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Commemorative photo<\/h3>\n

A commemorative photo was taken of the producers, who lovingly cultivate the "Sunflower Watermelon," showing their smiling faces.<\/p>\n

\"Producers<\/a>
Producers full of smiles!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Sunflower<\/a>
Sunflower watermelon that shines like a sunflower!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"We<\/a>
We hope that our delicious sunflower watermelon will bring you deliciousness and happiness!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers to Hokuryu Town's "Sunflower Watermelon," which shines with the yellow brilliance of a sunflower and brings deliciousness and happiness to everyone...<\/p>\n

YouTube videos<\/h2>\n