Dark Belle Watermelons
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Dark Belle watermelons are typically a smaller variety, averaging 22 to 28 centimeters in length and 12 to 14 centimeters in diameter, and have an oblong, oval shape with blunt, slightly tapered ends. The variety weighs 2 to 3 kilograms, and the rind is smooth, taut, faintly glossy, and firm. Dark Belle watermelons have a thin but tough rind, making them suitable for transport. They also showcase a distinct dark green coloring, sometimes appearing almost black, and have faint dark green-black stripes. Underneath the surface, the bright red flesh is solid, aqueous, and dense with a crisp, succulent consistency. The flesh is lightly grainy and tender, encasing a few dark brown-black seeds. Dark Belle watermelons should feel heavy for their size, indicating high juice levels. The variety is known for its sugar content, ranging from 12 to 14 degrees Brix, which creates a refreshing, mild, and sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Dark Belle watermelons are available year-round, especially when grown in tropical regions, and typically experience a peak season from March through September.
Current Facts
Dark Belle watermelons, botanically classified as Citrullus lanatus, are a hybrid F1 commercial cultivar belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The watermelons are a type of icebox melon, indicating they are a smaller variety when fully grown, allowing them to fit easily in a home refrigerator and create less waste. Dark Belle watermelons were developed by Known-You Seed, a Taiwan-based company, as an improved variety valued for its flavor, high yields, adaptability, and disease resistance. The cultivar matures 69 to 75 days after sowing and has found success throughout South and Southeast Asia, especially in India and Sri Lanka, where the variety is transported long distances for sale in markets. It is worth noting that Dark Belle watermelons are sometimes spelled Dark Bell watermelons in select markets. Dark Belle watermelons are easily distinguished by their dark rind coloring and are primarily offered through fresh markets and directly from growers as a culinary variety. Consumers seek out Dark Belle watermelons for their juicy, sweet flesh and versatility in a wide array of fresh and cooked preparations.
Nutritional Value
Dark Belle watermelons have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Watermelons, in general, are a source of fiber to aid digestion and contain varying amounts of vitamins A, B, C, and E. These vitamins support healthy organ function, strengthen the immune system, contribute to energy production, and protect cells against free radical damage. Watermelons also provide some minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, iron, and copper. These minerals help the body build strong bones and teeth, maintain fluid levels, control nerve functions, and produce red blood cells.
Applications
Dark Belle watermelons have a refreshing, sweet, and light flavor suited for raw and cooked preparations. The variety is mainly eaten out of hand and is enjoyed as a snack. Dark Belle watermelons can be sliced and served on fruit platters, diced and tossed with herbs and cheeses as a fresh side dish, or tossed into salads. In Sri Lanka, watermelons are sliced and mixed with chili powder, pepper, and salt to make achacharu, a popular pickled street food. They are also blended into smoothies and pressed into juices as a refreshing beverage consumed on hot days throughout South and Southeast Asia. In addition to fresh preparations, Dark Belle watermelons are simmered into jellies, jams, and syrups or used to flavor fillings for baked goods. The flesh is also blended and frozen into sorbets, ice cream, and popsicles. Dark Belle watermelons pair well with cheeses like feta, halloumi, and goat, herbs such as mint, basil, and rosemary, and other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, coconut, mango, and pineapple. Fresh Dark Belle watermelons will keep for several weeks when stored unopened in a cool, dry, and dark location. Once opened, the cut pieces should be placed in a sealed container in the refrigerator and will keep for a few days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Watermelon rinds are a secondary culinary ingredient prepared throughout South and Southeast Asia as a sustainable way to use the entire fruit. The rinds are a source of fiber and nutrients such as vitamins B and C, calcium, and phosphorus, and have a mild, green flavor reminiscent of cucumbers. Watermelon rinds are popularly sliced and added to curries, where they add texture and a subtle flavoring. The rind is also commonly stir-fried, diced into chutneys, or pickled. Watermelon rinds are becoming increasingly popular in India and Sri Lanka, and the rinds are treated like a vegetable in dishes. Icebox-sized watermelons, including Dark Belle, are ideal for using the rinds, as the smaller fruit size can be easily consumed by a family, providing more use and nutritional value from a single item.
Geography/History
Dark Belle watermelons were developed in Asia in the late 20th century by Known-You Seed, a seed company famous for developing over 400 commercial melon varieties. Known-You Seed is based in Taiwan and sells its varieties worldwide. The exact history of the variety is unknown, but Dark Belle watermelons were introduced to Asian markets, where they became a favored cultivar in South and Southeast Asia, and were also planted among growers in the United States, notably offered through Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Later in 2024, an improved variety, Dark Belle 6989, was released, featuring a larger size, high yields, and extended storage capabilities. Today, Dark Belle watermelons are grown worldwide as a specialty variety and are available at farmers' markets, select grocers, and wholesalers. The variety featured in the photograph above was sourced through the Narapenhita Economic Center in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
