regulators like chlorfenuron, and how to choose watermelons that are both delicious and safe for you and your family.
The Short Answer (What You Came For)
A watermelon with internal cracks, hollow spaces, or a loose, spongy texture may have been treated with a chemical growth regulator called chlorfenuron (also known as forchlorfenuron or CPPU).
This chemical is used by some farmers to accelerate growth, increase fruit size, and improve yield. It can cause the flesh to develop unevenly, creating cracks and cavities.
While chlorfenuron is approved for use in
