Watermelon came to Japan through the greatest Silk Way. Odama-shuika is the most developed sort. Its size is about 20-30 centimeters. This watermelon is used as present.

As the result of selection the sort of small watermelon kodama-shuika was deducted. Its weight is 1-2 kilograms and it's very convenient to keep it in a fridge. The largest sort is kurobe-shuika. It is cultivated in Toyama prefecture. Its weight is about 18 kilograms. This sort is also used as present.

In summer watermelons are sold everywhere. They are eaten in cooled way. Watermelon is considered as diuretic mean, which washes out kidney.

Tsukemono (pickled and salted snack) is made of watermelon crusts. In Vakayama prefecture tiny watermelons are cultivated. A snack with miso (naradzushi) is made of them.

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