118 118 "Is the origin of watermelon really a desert?" (1/2)

”Well, here we are. This is where we're going.

The next day. The moment I, Fitis and Dora-chan got ready to go and held Dad's hand, the landscape changed and the next thing we saw was a desert landscape.

Where are we at ......?　Dad.

I thought for a moment that I was back, but I'm not.

Looking at the landscape around me, it looks like we are in a desert somewhere on earth.

The Kalahari Desert, that's what. So, here's what I want to show you, follow me.

We followed the old man as he walked in front of us.

A short distance ahead, there was an arid area with numerous vines and leaves growing wild, and at the end of the vines, something that looked like a green ball.

Dad, what is this?

It's called a Kalahari watermelon, have you ever heard of it?

I shook my head at the name of the plant that came out of my father's mouth.

If it has the word watermelon in it, then ...... is it a watermelon?　And while I was thinking about that, my dad explained to me.

This is a watermelon that grows wild in the desert. The shape is a little different, but they say it's the original species of watermelon that we usually eat.

Seriously?　But what do you mean by watermelon in the desert?

Originally watermelons were a type of vegetable that was created to survive in these harsh environments. Why do you think plants and vegetables don't grow in the desert?　Besides being difficult to accumulate water, another reason is that constant exposure to sunlight can cause summer blight symptoms.

I nodded at my father's words.

Indeed, if you try to grow crops in the desert, the heat of the sun would be an obstacle besides water.

The same is true in the other world, where the sun's rays are stronger than in the desert.

Well, these guys got those sunny leaves and long roots that allow them to get more water in places where water is scarce. So, here's what's inside.

Saying this, my father took one of the Kalahari watermelons lying at his feet and cut it in half with a knife from his bag.

Then, instead of the red flesh we know, a yellow-green flesh appeared.

Here, try this.

I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who have been trying to get their hands on a Kalahari watermelon that was cut in half by me and Fitis. ...... Bitter　What's this?　It's not sweet at all!　Is this really the watermelon I know?　And it ain't good!

My dad laughs with amusement as he watches me and Fitis throw up.

This guy ...... knew about it and fed me.

Haha, that's what I thought. But well, now you know, it's not very good. But in this desert, it's almost as useful as the water juggernaut of the desert.

After being told that, I gaze again at the watermelon flesh in my hand.

It's true that it looks fresh and rich in water.

”Whatever food is valuable in the desert. And this one doesn't go bad even after a few years of harvesting.

Seriously?　That's awesome. .......

The bottom line is that there will always be food that has adapted to the environment. There is a price to pay for this, which is a decrease in taste quality, but an increase in adaptability and shelf life. But if we could increase these adaptations and preservations without sacrificing taste quality - wouldn't that be perfect?

Says Dad, tapping the Kalahari watermelon in his hand, a pleasant sound reverberates through the place.

I see. But I didn't think it was a watermelon.

I couldn't even imagine it.

Surely a vegetable that packed with water would be a treasure in this harsh desert environment.