Native Watermelon Revival in José María Morelos

José María Morelos — The native watermelon, a variety that used to be cultivated in traditional milpa alongside corn, is disappearing due to pests and the abandonment of the seed. Producers warn that if its cultivation is not resumed, it could be lost permanently within a few years.

Don Vidal Ku Salazar, a local merchant and producer, explained that previously, the planting of this fruit was common and was carried out from the beginning of the rainy season, ensuring harvests for consumption and sale. However, he stated that today very few people plant it, and it is almost never found in the markets of Morelos.

Despite this outlook, the producer managed to obtain some seeds of the variety known as “yellow,” which he planted in his plot with favorable results. He detailed that this watermelon resisted pests and produced fruit with good flavor, sweet and attractive for consumption.

Although its market is limited because younger generations no longer know it, Don Vidal believes it could be repositioned if consumers rediscover its flavor and cultural value. He noted that, being a native variety, it would hardly sell for more than commercial watermelons, but its season is different and it could have demand in specific months.

The producer emphasized that older people are the ones who still preserve some seeds, which allows keeping this traditional agricultural practice alive. However, he estimates that if it stops being planted over the next five years, it will be almost impossible to find this variety.

The rescue of the native watermelon adds to efforts to preserve native crops that are part of the agricultural identity of the region, where producers continue to defend the milpa and the knowledge inherited from generations.