Preparing a fruit for competition

Choosing the right fruit: selecting the champion

Preparation starts long before the weigh-in: everything hangs on the choice of fruit.

• Pick the right variety : some lines are bred specifically for competition (e.g. Atlantic Giant for cucurbits).
• Look at the shape : favour a symmetrical fruit, without excessive hollows or bumps.
• Check the stem : it must be healthy, strong and firmly attached, because a weakened stem can lead to a split or a break.
• Limit the number of fruit per plant : keeping a single fruit maximises the nutrients reaching it.

Preparing the fruit as it grows

Once the fruit is chosen, the daily work begins.

• Support the fruit : place a porous mat or a bed of sand under it, to keep off damp and pests.
• Control the orientation : never turn the fruit abruptly; if you must, do it very gradually when temperatures are high, to avoid tearing.
• Controlled watering : keep moisture constant without excess. Drip irrigation is ideal.
• Regular feeding : solid or liquid amendment of organic origin.
• Hand pollination : for squash, pumpkins, watermelons… it improves the odds of a well-formed fruit. Usually in the morning, around 8–10 a.m.

Watching the fruit’s condition

A champion is also won through vigilance.

• Daily inspection : look for splits, pests, soft spots, and any tension building between the stem and the fruit.
• Shade it from direct sun : put up a shade cloth to prevent scorching.
• Manage the fast growth : fruit can put on several kilos a day, so check that the support keeps up.
• Avoid knocks : never rest objects on the fruit, and don’t walk too close.

Measuring properly before the competition

Competitions often use the OTT (Over The Top) method for cucurbits. Three essential measurements:

Together, these three give a volume, and so an estimated weight before the official weigh-in.

Transporting the fruit safely

Transport is often the riskiest stage.

• Use a wide strap or a transport hammock
• Never lift it by the stem
• Steady the fruit with foam wedges
• Avoid jolts : a split fruit is disqualified.

Getting ready for the official weigh-in

On the day, every detail counts.

• Clean the fruit gently : remove soil, dust and debris.
• Check its integrity : no split, no puncture.
• Present the fruit with its stem intact : unless the rules say otherwise.
• Arrive early : some competitions require a prior inspection.

The spirit of the competition

Beyond the weight, judges look at:

• the overall quality of the fruit
• the shape
• the colour
• the presentation
• compliance with the rules