Two of Madrid's main markets have welcomed Europe's first watermelons and melons. From May 12 to June 6, consumers can enjoy the first watermelons and melons grown in southern Europe at Stall 92 in the Mercado de La Paz and at the Mercado de Chamartín in Madrid. As part of the "It's from a greenhouse. Sustainable fruit and vegetables from Europe" campaign, visitors to these markets can taste the quality and unmistakable flavour of these products, as well as learn about other fruits from solar greenhouses such as zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
"Knowing where the first watermelons and melons on the market come from and their production characteristics is important," stated Juan Tomás Cano, President of the Fruit and Vegetable Inter-branch Association, HortiEspaña. The "It's from a greenhouse" campaign is now in its third year, reinforcing its commitment to the dissemination of sustainable agriculture.
Southern sun boosts melon and watermelon production
Almeria and Granada, which last season produced more than 1.2 million tons of watermelon, are positioned as the heart of European production. The region's privileged climate and the solar greenhouses' advanced cultivation techniques allow producers to guarantee fruits of excellent flavor and high nutritional value, leading production and export to international markets such as Germany, which absorbs 48% of this region's exports.
Southern Europe is consolidating its position as a reference in the supply of sustainable fruits and vegetables, with more than 21,500 hectares under cultivation and a total production of 1,198,175 tons in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.
The "It's from a greenhouse" campaign highlights the role of solar greenhouses in Southern Europe as a guarantee of freshness, quality, and sustainability. In a context of growing demand for environmentally responsible products, these regions are leading fruit and vegetable production with techniques that optimize natural resources and reduce their environmental impact, allowing consumers to enjoy excellently grown watermelons and melons.
Winter cultivation and spring production
"Watermelons and melons begin to be planted in February, taking advantage of the optimal conditions of the solar greenhouses located in one of Europe's sunniest areas. The protection offered by this sustainable production system allows growing this crop ahead of other areas and having the first fruits ready for harvest between April and May."
"The controlled luminosity and stable temperatures allow the fruits to reach maturity with exceptional flavor and optimal texture, ready to be marketed in spring."
"HortiEspaña recommends eating melon and watermelon, two seasonal fruits with great flavor and a great number of benefits," Juan Tomás Cano stated.
For more information:
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