g.johnson Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 I'm assuming that the seedless WM's are genetically modified? I was intrigued so I looked it up. Apparently you treat a regular diploid (2 sets of chromosomes) watermelon with the alkaloid colchicine which interferes with meiosis (splitting of chromosome pairs) resulting in tetraploid (4 sets) offspring. That's then bred with a regular diploid watermelon to produce triploid (3 sets) offspring. These last are sterile and so produce no seeds. So it is a sort of genetic modification but no new genetic material is introduced. Edit: I don't know how this relates to Orik's insects. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Orik Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 When they want to sell them as organic, they plant diploids with tetraploids and have bees to the work. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
helena Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 Chef Katsuya Fukushima of Café Atlantico - Chilled Tomato Soup with Watermelon, Ginger Oil, Coconut Cream and Basil. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
g.johnson Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 When they want to sell them as organic, they plant diploids with tetraploids and have bees to the work. Ah, those devious organic farmers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pim Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 José Andrés and Katsuya did watermelon ten ways at the F&W classic in Aspen....sadly I only remember a couple of ways, one of which being watermelon foam served over a 'salad' of uni and white grapes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SamanthaF Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 I'm assuming that the seedless WM's are genetically modified? I was intrigued so I looked it up. Apparently you treat a regular diploid (2 sets of chromosomes) watermelon with the alkaloid colchicine which interferes with meiosis (splitting of chromosome pairs) resulting in tetraploid (4 sets) offspring. That's then bred with a regular diploid watermelon to produce triploid (3 sets) offspring. These last are sterile and so produce no seeds. So it is a sort of genetic modification but no new genetic material is introduced. Edit: I don't know how this relates to Orik's insects. I'll sleep soundly knowing that you are working across the road from where I am sleeping. If I have trouble sleeping, I'll give you a call and you can talk diploids to me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Orik Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 When they want to sell them as organic, they plant diploids with tetraploids and have bees to the work. Ah, those devious organic farmers. cunning, aren't they? But yes, the best varieties have a relatively short season and plenty of seeds. (and because of the seeds, I assume, shorter shelf life) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cathy Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 José Andrés and Katsuya did watermelon ten ways at the F&W classic in Aspen....sadly I only remember a couple of ways, one of which being watermelon foam served over a 'salad' of uni and white grapes. I loved your story about José's little girl and the "silly steak!" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
little ms foodie Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 I love Watermelon Salad... with mint, feta... what else do you put in your Watermelon Salads? Jicama! also I have been known to make a watermelon martini- similar to tomato water martinis Quote Link to post Share on other sites
omnivorette Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 Watermelon with feta, also watermelon with ricotta salata. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pim Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 José Andrés and Katsuya did watermelon ten ways at the F&W classic in Aspen....sadly I only remember a couple of ways, one of which being watermelon foam served over a 'salad' of uni and white grapes. I loved your story about José's little girl and the "silly steak!" Ah, yes, the silly steak. Said silly steak got altoids microplaned on top. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cathy Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 Eeew. Out of the mouths of babes... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
galleygirl Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 Watermelon with feta, also watermelon with ricotta salata. After hearing Omni wax euphoric about feta and watermelon, I checked the Nigella Lawson recipe for watermelon salad...Lots of it was superfluous, but I added a red onion, sliced thinly, soaked in the juice of a couplah limes for 15 minutes or so. I mixed all this with the melon, the feta, and a T. of olive oil, and it's amazing...The lime juice does magical things to the red onion, and vice-a-versa...She also suggests mint, parsley, olives, but I've kept it simple... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
omnivorette Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 Put a little mint in...it's great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
helena Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 apparently MF provided the inspiration: Watermelon shines in savory dishes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.