When do watermelons from Xinjiang generally ripen and hit the market?

The watermelon ripening time differs by region and variety. For example, the ripening period of Annong No. 2 in Shihezi, Xinjiang, is from July to September; Annong No. 2 watermelon in Hutubi, Changji, ripens from June to September, with June being the start; and Yuli watermelon in Yuli County begins to ripen in June. Among them, Yuli watermelon is also a geographical indication agricultural product.

Introduction to Yuli Watermelon

1. Quality

Yuli watermelon is large, sweet, and high in sugar content; the flesh is fine and crisp, very juicy, and a single melon weighs 2.5-10 jin. The shapes include oblong and round; the rind colors include dark green, emerald green, and white-green; the stripes include serrated bands and fine walnut-pattern bands; the flesh colors include pink, peach red, and bright red; the textures include sandy flesh and crisp flesh; the seeds include large seeds, small seeds, black seeds, red seeds, and seedless types; and the flavors include delicate fragrance and fruity aroma.

At the same time, the milk watermelons produced in Yuli look small in size, but their taste is sweet and refreshing, with lots of juice, thin rind, and a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Ordinary watermelons have a sugar content of only a few percent, but the sugar content of “milk watermelon” can reach more than ten percent, so it tastes extremely sweet.

2. Delimited geographical protection scope

A total of 50 administrative villages in 7 townships, 1 town, and 1 management committee, including Xingping Township, Tarim Township, Gulebage Township, Dunkuatan Township, Akesufu Township, Kaerquga Township, Tuanjie Township, Xiaotang, and Yuli Town in Yuli County. The geographical coordinates are 84°02′50〞-89°58′50〞 east longitude and 40°10′30"-41°39′47〞 north latitude.