'Small Jadu'i' Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus Origin: Jenin, Palestine Improvement status: Breeding population Seeds per packet: ~16 Germination tested 12/2024: 66% Life cycle: Annual Jadu'i is a legendary watermelon variety from Jenin, the occupied Palestinian city in the West Bank. There was a time when Jadu'i watermelons (pronounced "jah-doo-AYE") were exported from Jenin by truck to Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Associated with ba'al agriculture (unirrigated, rain-fed farming), these watermelons were long known for their resilience, and beloved for their sweet, rich flavor, and large size. According to the woman who introduced us to this plant, our dear friend Vivien Sansour of the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library, this watermelon is of deep importance to many Palestinian people. "Known for its disease resistance and adaptation to the microclimate," Vivien writes, "Jadu’i watermelon fields were symbolic of Palestinian farmers’ lived experiences: Palestinian women gave birth in the melon fields; many sought refug