Watermelon Demand Rises in Bahrain Heat

TDT | Manama

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Watermelon is flying off market stalls across Bahrain as heat and humidity push shoppers toward the summer fruit.

It has become one of the most bought items in local markets, selling for BD1 per three kilogrammes.

Vendors said shoppers turn to watermelon as temperatures and humidity rise, drawn by its high water content, lower prices and wide supply across the kingdom.

Markets carry imported watermelon from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Syria, Egypt and Iran, along with Jordanian yellow watermelon. Traders said Jordanian red watermelon is leading the market now, both in volume and demand.

Redha Al Bustani, chairman of Al Bustani Fruits and Vegetables Group, said the market is well supplied with imported watermelon, mainly from Jordan, Oman, Syria and Egypt.

He said Bahrain is now in the peak of the watermelon season, with demand expected to stay high over the coming weeks as the summer weather continues.

Al Bustani said shoppers choose watermelon because it is cooling, water-rich and suited to Bahrain’s climate. He said the supply has helped keep prices stable and meet demand.

Watermelon is widely eaten in Bahrain and neighbouring Gulf states during summer. It is eaten on its own, served in salads or made into chilled juice.

Growers say the fruit should not be picked too early because it does not ripen the same way after being cut from the plant. Buyers are advised to choose fruit without bruises, cuts or soft patches.

A ripe watermelon is often round or oval, rather than uneven in shape. Traders say a fruit that feels heavy for its size is usually the better choice, as this points to higher water content.

Another sign is the yellow patch on the underside. A larger yellow mark often means the fruit spent longer on the ground and had greater exposure to the sun before being picked.

Some buyers also tap the fruit with their fingers. A clear, drum-like sound is often taken as a good sign, while a duller sound can point to weaker ripeness, though vendors say this test is not final.

Traders also advise shoppers not to rush into buying watermelon before the main season, saying fruit bought in season is more likely to have had enough sun. They said local produce, when available, is often preferred because imported fruit can be affected by transport and storage.