Islamic Development Bank eyes $1.4bn funding for Kazakhstan road corridor
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Farmers in the western Japanese city of Zentsuji began shipping the area's distinctive square watermelons on June 30, with around 400 of the ornamental fruits expected to be delivered by mid-July, Kyodo News reports.
Each watermelon is expected to sell for about JPY10,000 ($62) but can reach much higher prices in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama.
The cube-shaped fruit is a speciality of Zentsuji in Kagawa Prefecture and although it has little sweetness and is not intended for consumption, its unusual appearance has made it a popular seasonal decorative item.
The watermelons are grown inside transparent square containers fitted with metal frames once the fruit reaches a certain stage of development. The process produces watermelons measuring about 18cm on each side.
The square watermelon concept was developed by a local growers' group around 50 years ago in an attempt to produce fruit that could fit more easily inside domestic refrigerators.
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