Published on: 2026-10-03
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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The melon crop season lasts from early August to early October. About 600 tons of produce were purchased at Moscow markets during two months of active sales. Watermelons accounted for 60 percent of the total melon sales — approximately 360 tons. This year, buyers preferred smaller varieties of watermelons.
“I remember that watermelon or melon used to be attributes of some unusual meal, not necessarily festive, but, for example, for a trip to the countryside, a picnic, a meeting with friends or a large family. Today, watermelons are bought just like that. It seems to me that this is connected with the availability of various varieties, especially small-sized fruits,” noted Alexander, a participant of Moscow fairs from Astrakhan.
Alexander has been bringing melons to Moscow for several years now. According to him, every year more and more city residents choose watermelons and melons weighing from two to five kilograms.
A similar trend is confirmed by other farmers participating in the fairs. Compact and medium-sized fruits are more practical: they are easier to transport, store, and slice, with a lower risk of spoilage. Often, even for large companies, several small watermelons or melons are purchased. This approach aligns with the principles of conscious consumption, which have been gaining popularity among the capital’s residents in recent years.
Among the watermelon varieties in demand this season are not only the large traditional ones like “kholodok,” “karistan,” and “astrakhansky,” but also types weighing up to six kilograms. Among them, for example, is the “sugary baby” variety. This is an early-ripening crop with a maturation period of 70–75 days from germination. The fruits reach six kilograms and feature bright red, grainy, and sweet flesh. The variety is unpretentious and suitable for cultivation in regions with cool summers.
This season, among the leaders for the first time was the watermelon variety “Black Prince” — a compact fruit weighing between three and five kilograms with an almost black rind and dense, crisp flesh. It is often called portion-sized because such a watermelon is enough for one person.
Farmers also note an increasing demand for the ‘marbled’ variety — a collectible domestic type developed by selection from an old folk-bred variety. Its fruits have a round shape and weigh from 2.2 to five kilograms. Their rind is salad green with dark green veins, which determined the name of the variety.
Among melons, buyers also chose small varieties. In addition to the miniature “kolkhoznitsa,” known for its honeyed taste, the “caramel” melon with a grassy-green rind was popular. It is valued not only for its compact size but also for its sweet yet not cloying flavor. At the same time, the traditional “torpedo” variety (weighing up to 10–15 kilograms) retained its leading position in sales.
Watermelons and melons at the Moscow fairs this year were brought by farmers from the Astrakhan, Tambov, Lipetsk, Voronezh regions, the Republic of Dagestan, and the Krasnodar Territory. The products will remain on the shelves late into the autumn. Certain varieties are capable of staying fresh until the New Year under proper storage conditions.
Products for Moscow fairs are brought from more than 40 regions of Russia. Specialists check them before they are sent to the counter. State Veterinary Service of the city of Moscow. The fair pavilions are located in high-traffic areas and are equipped with heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and video surveillance systems, as well as commercial and refrigeration equipment, making them comfortable to visit at any time of the year. Spaces are provided free of charge to fair participants. More information about cooperation can be found on the official websiteState Budgetary Institution “Moscow Fairs”.
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