Stores stock yellow The summer heat breathes life into the 100 acres at Matsuda Fukuyama Farms in Haleiwa.
watermelons to enrich
produce-isle palettes
Some customers say the
new shades are sweeterBy Kelliann Shimote
kshimote@starbulletin.comThe mile drive up the paved road eventually leads to a dirt and gravel path. Patches of green and tan reveal a crop of papaya trees on the left. To the right lie 10 acres of watermelon -- which are not red.
According to customers and third-generation farmers Melvin Matsuda and Clyde Fukuyama, the yellow watermelon is appealing because of its size, taste and color.
"Basically, it is eight to 10 pounds in size," Fukuyama said. "It is referred to as an ice-box melon. It's very flavorful and crisp."
Matsuda added the stripes along the outside differ, as well.
"Yellow watermelon is a niche, a novelty," Matsuda said.
Fukuyama said stores should begin selling the yellow watermelons this weekend.
County Extension Agent Randy Hamasaki says watermelon flesh can range in color from orange, yellow, pink, pink-red, bright red and deep red.
Fukuyama said the process to find a particular melon that pleased the public began in 1997. The farm planted different types of watermelon in Haleiwa and Kahuku.
It was then test-marketed to consumers. Over four years, customers tasted varieties that included red and yellow watermelon, with and without seeds.
"Eventually (the yellow) did the best for us in growing and demand," Fukuyama said. He said it takes about three months to grow the melon from seed.
He said the farm still plants red watermelon, but it is just 5 percent of the crop.
"I always look for the yellow (watermelon)," said Greg Austin from Kaimuki, who tasted the yellow watermelon at the Matsuda-Fukuyama road-side stand in Kahuku. "I buy both (red and yellow).
"The major difference is this (yellow) one has a thinner rind," Austin said. "But basically it tastes like you're eating a red one. It's different. If they had the large red ones, I would have bought both. I love watermelon."
Larry Takeshi from Mililani said: "It's excellent, can't find anything better. To me, the yellow one is a little bit more on the sweeter side."
Feleti "Fred" Mataele, a farmer from Tonga, said: "I've never seen yellow (watermelon) before. This one is not watery, but ... more (mineral) content in there, tastes good."
"I've already eaten three pieces," said Dave Vecsi from Portland, Ore. "It's a hit for this farmer ... excellent."
Fukuyama said stores will start getting the yellow watermelon throughout next week. Stores selling the melon include Daiei, Marukai Wholesale Mart, Tamura Superette, Times Supermarket, Waianae Store, 99 Ranch Market, Mel's Market and Ken's Produce.