We live in a society that values convenience, partially because our time is so valuable and our schedules are hectic. This convenience even extends to our foods and how we enjoy them. El Vecino loves watermelons and was tickled pink that he has successfully grown them the past two years after 12 years of failure.
Recently, he talked to his brother Tommy about watermelons and their enjoyment. He said he personally likes seeded watermelons, but Tommy’s sons will not bother much with them because of the seeds and much prefer the seedless varieties.
El Vecino was shocked. He too will purchase, consume and enjoy seedless watermelons throughout the early summer, but once his watermelons ripen, those are what he prefers by far.
Sandias de semilla, seeded watermelons, exceed the seedless varieties in sweetness, texture and juiciness. These qualities allow them to be the preferred type by El Vecino.
Possibly, the sandias de semilla are sweeter than the seedless types because they are picked at prime maturity, while the seedless variety must be picked prior to full maturity. The seedless ones must be shipped to locations where they are offered for sale and must ripen at those locations.
Also, the juiciness factor of the seedless types far surpass that of the sandias de semilla. It just does not work when the seedless types are pulled from the vine prior to peak maturity to withstand the rigors of transportation and to be fresher when sold.
Texture of the watermelon’s flesh is a different matter. Seedless watermelons have a tighter, crunchier texture while sandias de semilla have a more open, looser texture. El Vecino much loves that he can take a bite of a sandia de semilla and have it practically dissolve between his palate and his tongue where it floods his taste buds in sandia flavor, sweetness and water content. A true connoisseur’s delight.
It is up to us to teach those we love to appreciate and enjoy the qualities of sandias de semilla. No todo es la convinencia, tiene uno que despacer su vida y gozar las cosas buenas. (Convenience is not all, we must slow our lives and enjoy the good things.)