The Nonsan Watermelon Research Group of Farming Association Corporation, based in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do has recently obtained JGAP, which is reputed to be difficult. As a watermelon, it is the first JGAP certification in Korea. The Nonsan Watermelon Research Group is confident of the premium quality and its safety which hit ‘Korean Watermelon Wave’ in Japan and other countries.

#Everyone comes together to produce the best watermelon

The Nonsan Watermelon Research Group was established by the watermelon farmers in the region to produce the highest quality watermelons as well as to raise the level of cultivation technology, who successfully produced delicious watermelon in 1999. In order to harvest the watermelon of superior quality, the organization has continuously cooperated together with Nonsan Agricultural Technology Center to share technical knowledge. They also put endless efforts to communicate with farmers through farming education, discussion of successful stories, and information exchange. In 2001, it was the first to set up a shipping system applying pallet and multistage wooden boxes through logistics innovation in Korea. At the moment, more than 50 farmers are participating, and the production capacity has been expanded to 130ha. The types of watermelon vary from sugar-rich Top Watermelon, Mini Watermelon, Seedless Watermelon, Black Watermelon and so on. The President Lee Jeong-gu of the Nonsan Watermelon Research Group said, “As our committee was initially created by farmers, all the members exchange information to produce the finest watermelon in Korea, which is also the key purpose of establishment. To meet our expectation, we have been holding monthly meetings since 1999.

#Internationally recognized safety

The organization has recently received JGAP certification, which means a green light has turned on to export to Japan. As this is the first achievement among domestic watermelon products, it will actively target the Japanese market. In fact, it will supply 3000 JGAP-certified watermelons to 25 Costco in Japan every week from May to August. President Lee said, “Although the exports account for less than 10%, the unit price for Japanese market is 10% higher than in Korea. With the acquisition of JGAP certification, we expect to expand further export volume from here.” He continued, “The sugar content of Japanese Watermelon is between 10-11 Brix, whereas Korean Watermelon is above 12 Brix so I’m sure there is a higher chance of success. As Seedless Watermelon will be introduced to the export market from July, I’m very convinced that it will be a massive hit.”

#Tasty Watermelon while good for health

Watermelon, one of the most enjoyed fruits by the Koreans, is known to be effective for thirst-quenching because its moisture content is over 90%. Furthermore, a substance called Citrulline converts protein to urea which prompts to discharge urine. Since watermelon is packed with water, it will moisturize the skin and another substance called Beta-carotene prevents skin cells from damaging. The calories is as low as 20-30kcal per 100g, and its high content of water makes you feel full easily and hence a great diet food. Watermelon is also a good source of Vitamin C and Potassium, so it helps to relieve fatigue. A substance called Lycopene is rich in red flesh acting as an antioxidant which enhances immunity and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. The Citrulline on the watermelon rind improves blood circulation and arterial function, as well as lowering blood pressure which leads to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as cerebral stroke and heart attack. Watermelon is high in Choline of Vitamin B complex which increases brain function. It also helps to sleep well at night, and boost concentration and memory skills during day time.