TRENGGALEK – The trend of melon picking Trenggalek has become a unique way for residents to spend time before breaking their fast during Ramadan.
In Parakan Village, Trenggalek District, East Java, visitors now gather at a greenhouse every afternoon to pick fresh melons directly from the vines while waiting for the sunset call to prayer.
The greenhouse belongs to young farmer Ubai Mustakim. Originally, he focused only on cultivating premium melons. However, over time, more residents began visiting the farm to experience harvesting the fruit themselves.
“At first, it was just a regular melon farm. But gradually many people wanted to come and pick the melons directly,” Ubai said.
Families and young couples often walk around the greenhouse while selecting the best fruit for their iftar meal.
Ubai grows three premium melon varieties in his farm: Petra Fani (yellow), Jeblus or Hami (green), and Sani (white). He uses special cultivation techniques to produce sweeter fruit with higher quality than typical market melons.
He also applies strict standards for sweetness. While most melons in traditional markets measure around 9–11 percent Brix, melons from his farm can reach about 15 percent Brix.
“I never harvest the fruit unless the sweetness reaches at least 14 percent Brix,” Ubai said. “If it hasn’t reached that level, I delay the harvest for about a week so buyers won’t be disappointed.”
During Ramadan, the farm attracts even more visitors. Many people simply stroll through the greenhouse while choosing the fruit they want to buy.
The premium melons sell for around 25,000 rupiah per kilogram. Although slightly higher than regular market prices, Ubai said the fruit remains cheaper than similar premium melons sold in supermarkets.
Visitor Tamara Anisah Zain said she has purchased melons from the farm several times. She often visits with her family because she believes the quality differs from ordinary melons.
“The taste is different and much fresher,” Tamara said. “Most importantly, we know the sweetness is natural because we pick it directly from the plant.”
Melons, which contain high water content and natural sweetness, have become a popular choice for breaking the fast during Ramadan. Many residents also buy the fruit as gifts ahead of the Eid holiday.
Today, the greenhouse in Parakan Village has grown beyond a farming site. It now functions as a small agro-tourism destination that offers a unique Ramadan ngabuburit experience in Trenggalek.
Visitors say the activity also helps them understand how farmers grow and harvest premium melons.
“By picking the fruit ourselves, we learn how to choose good melons and how to harvest them so they last longer,” Tamara said.