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Rare orange flesh watermelons – instead of the usual red – are about to go on sale for the first time ever on British high streets.

The watermelons, which are much sweeter than the red equivalent, will be exclusively sold by UK retail giant Tesco. Grown in Spain, the variety is new although it is a hybrid derived from old heirloom types.

Tesco fruit technical manager and melon growing expert James Cackett has spent the last 18 years working with seed houses in order to find exciting new and rare varieties for shoppers to enjoy.

Cackett said: “Not only do the wonderful orange flesh watermelons taste fantastic, but they are also great showstoppers and are guaranteed to turn heads and be talking points when served at BBQs and garden parties. While the variety is not new, this is the first time that they have ever been commercially grown for sale in the UK.”

This is the latest in Tesco’s efforts to bring new melon varieties to the UK. The retailer also sells Sweet Snowball, a sweet and distinctive melon with white flesh and pale green, flecked skin and Finest Sunkiss, a variety of the honeydew family with pale orange flesh.

The supermarket also sells yellow honeydew; watermelon; giant watermelon; mini watermelon; yellow watermelon; Galia; cantaloupe; and Piel de Sapo.

Most of Tesco’s watermelons are grown in the UK. Last year the supermarket’s British supplier, Oakley Farms, based in Cambridgeshire, grew 11,000 – the largest amount ever grown in Britain.

The new orange flesh watermelon will go on sale in select Tesco stores across the UK, for an RRP of £4.

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