Generally, in North America, any round melon with firm, orange flesh and moderately sweet taste is called a cantaloupe, although this is a misnomer. Of the seven variants of Cucumis melo (conomon, cantalupensis, chito, dudaim, flexuosus, inodorus, momorida, and reticulatus), only two are commercially grown in the United States: reticulatus and inodorus. The scientific name for both cantaloupes (muskmelons) and many specialty melons is Cucumis melo. The most popular melon types include watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. Melons were cultivated by the Romans and it’s believed European varieties were diffused through conquest (Sauer, 1993). Wild melons have been reported in desert and savanna zones of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, southwestern Asia, and Australia (Kirkbride, 1993). Although melons have been found in ancient China, Egypt, and Iran, their center of diversity is Africa, with secondary centers in China and India. Melons belong to the cucurbit family (Cucurbitaceae), which also includes cucumbers and squash. ![]() This cantaloupe cross-section shows the characteristic structure of fruit of the Cucurbits, which is three carpels within one locule. However, the trade-off for reduced inputs and higher profits is a significant increase in labor. These melons are mostly heirloom varieties that are amenable to organic production using fewer inputs and no synthetic chemicals. Growing specialty melons offers a producer the potential for more profit using less space and fewer resources. This means they have a shorter shelf life but can command premium prices. Common melons were selected for their ability to be shipped long distances (thus ‘Western Shipper’ types), while specialty melons were selected mainly for flavor. These melons offer an alternative to the run-of-the-mill ‘market variety’ melons commonly available. Specialty melons are members of the genus Cucumis, or a few select members of the cucurbit family, whose fruits may be large, have unique flavors, and command a high price in the marketplace (Hill, 1996). A resource list details sources for more information, seeds, and supplies useful for melon growing. It also discusses marketing outlets for producers to sell their melons and summarizes results of current melon research. It addresses production considerations including seed sources, planting needs, soil preparation, and insect pest and disease control. This publication provides an overview of production and marketing of numerous different species and varieties of specialty melons (Family: Cucurbitaceae). ![]() Recommended to maintain healthy skin, weight, and maintaining optimal eyesight, Melons can safely be called a power fruit!Įat them raw, make a dessert (sorbet) or simply bite into a nice chunk of the Melons, whatever and however, you have them, you will love every pinch of them! So start growing them in your gardens now.By Justin Duncan and Jim Ewing, NCAT Agriculture Specialists Abstract There is a compound called Adenosine which is found in abundance in the Melons which is known to have blood-thinning properties and hence is great for people with high blood pressure. Melons are notably great for smokers to fight against the active intake of carcinogenic substances. The health benefits of the Melon are also many. What makes this Honey-like sweet fruit so refreshing and bountiful? The enormous amount of naturally occurring nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Beta-carotene, Folate, and other minerals and micronutrients. Today, they are widely consumed and can be found in almost every part of the world. Historians sometimes also suggest that along with Egypt the muskmelons were also being cultivated in Greece, India, Persia, and Armenia. The origin of this fruit which the West refers to as Cantaloupe dates back to Egypt's Nile Valley, about 2000 B.C. ![]() They usually grow in semiarid conditions and are cultivated for their inner flesh. This gorgeous looking, sweet-tasting, and healthful fruit belongs to the gourd family! Hard to believe, but yes the Melons or Kharbooza (urdu word) as they are popularly known in the Indian subcontinent and Pakistan are very popular summer fruit which find themselves vying with the watermelon in the middle of summer.
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