Probablytge same. I only said western because i have never been east. western usa also the orangish ones are called cantaloupe. but probably not to south africans that live there. Fun times with common names
Yes, so many names and small differences. I wonder if we can grow Taiwan melons and get near Hokkaido prices? I see so many Taiwanese in Japan pay the high prices for the rock melons in the north, I wonder if they would pay inside here/
Possible, but doubt its AS likely. The whole thing is essentially a vanity type situation. Im sure they are yummy, but its clearly about ego more than taste.
Less likely is a taiwanese farmer spending the time on a commercial scale for such a risk.
I may try on small scale, seems space needed is low. Maybe get some seeds from Ping tung rock melons,
saw this:
[Malaysian Rock Information, Recipes and Facts
Rock melons are a lucrative export for many Malaysian farmers. They are exceptionally expensive in Japan where they are considered ‘high class fruits’ and can be sold for as much as $60 UD dollars apiece.
Ya. But those sorts of things are notreally accurate. 60 piece is retail. Once you trickle down to the farmer, its basically the same as local wholesale market price. Only difference is its A grade and hence why many farmers simply say fugg it as the logistics and QC are far more extreme while literally only cents more on the pound. The farmers making coin are also opening compabies and cutting out at least afew middlemen.
If you want to try, why not buy japanese seeds? If its true the local ones arent fantastic, you buying Known-you seed likely wont have vastly different results. There is areal possibility it could be environmental that affects the taste. But i guess that doesnt account for everything in this case. Also, in general, cooler weather increases brix in many crops. But again, i know nothing of melons, or the curcubit family even.
I wonder if I can import seeds from Japan, I have relatives that can get it easily there in Japan but maybe its not easy to send here. I would like to grow some here in Taiwan first, maybe go to farmers co op for help. As far as sales in Japan some farmers sell direct and lot to tourists from Taiwan, China, Singapore ect (this year and last year was a bust with almost no tourists)) via hotels, at regional airports, along the motor way or even to groups. Of course if you sell to supermarkets the farmer gets a small percentage. Some of my relatives/friends do this on a small scale, but even if only get say 400-500 melons, that is NT$800 each is not bad for a small scale garden and in Taiwan it’s maybe twice a year, no way in Hokkaido where snow will be there next month.
Anyways I will try grow maybe 30-50 plants and see how I do, a side hobby.
Agreed. But one point is a bit…optimistic. road side farmers selling melins for 800 each dont exist. If they do/did, the truth is most fruit goes bad with that method of sales and as such they would nust be selling cheap melons too expensive to offset the costs.
Not saying it is impossible. But if it were me i would be hitting up top hotels, wealthy companies to pitch sales as gifts in the business dealings etc. Not a truck on the side of teh road, a market or a grocery store. To be brutally honest. But if you start geowing ag products to such clie nts, be aware you are not allowed to fail. Regardless of typhoons or whatever. The price is paid due to garauntee of both supply and quality. This is actually harder than most give credit for!
Orange melons and some squash. It is warm so I guess it goes not get cold enough to stop it’s growth. Just need make sure enough sunlight, which should be ok as the dry season is coming. Try a re few to see if I can get good taste. I thought you did some ag work? Do you grow anything?
Cool. Ya winter in kaohsiung isnt an issue at all. Depending on type just remember most melon plants get big. Whether climbing or sprawling.
I am in the AG industry, but the melon family is far from my specialty. Only grow them for fun, or discuss with other companies and farmers. I have noticed at times fruit set is crap, and hand polination is sometimes required. That said, i have never grown cantaloupe in taiwan so probably shouldnt say much.
Not an expert in anything my experience is mostly with trees though. Otherwise various other food and medicine crops. Melons just happen to be something i never got involved with. There is probably a lot we can learn from each other
Ya, i love eating seeds. I just hate shelling them! Be it pumpkin, sunflower or basically anything but peanuts i really hate peeling stuff. I am a bit entitled in this arena…
my experience is mostly with trees though. Otherwise various other food and medicine crops. Melons just happen to be something i never got involved with. There is probably a lot we can learn from each other