Melons A to Z: 26 Fun Facts about Melons

26 facts about Melons

Africa. This continent is believed to be the place where watermelons originated over 4,000 years ago. 

Bitter melon. A unique fruit native to India. Bitter melon looks like a spiky cucumber and is known in Hindi as karela. It is widely available at Asian markets and commonly prepared in savory dishes laced with onions, garlic, ginger and spices. Karela is lauded for its health benefits and is particularly useful for the treatment of diabetes. It is quite bitter and must be cooked for an extended period of time.

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Cucumis melo. This is the scientific name for cantaloupe. They are two distinct varieties of cantaloupe: the North American cantaloupe and the European cantaloupe. 

Dudaim. A term referring to a group of melons that are highly fragrant but inedible. Dudaim melons are very beautiful so they are used mainly as ornamental fruit. 

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Europe. Melons began appearing on European tables towards the end of the 15th century. Historians believe they were introduced via Italy and spread from there to Western Europe.

Freezing. Due to their high water content it is not recommended to freeze melons, as they will lose their texture when thawed. Naturally, there is an exception to this rule: frozen melon pieces make a great addition to smoothies!

Gourd family. Melons are part of the gourd family which also includes squashes and cucumbers. Gourds grow on vines and must be supported with stalks or trellises. 

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Honeydew. A variety of melon with a creamy yellow exterior that conceals a bright green interior. Honeydews are sweet and juicy. Ancient Egyptians considered it a sacred fruit reserved only for the most elite people.

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Italy. The origin of cantaloupes in Europe can be traced back to the town of Cantalupo, Italy. Legend has it that cantaloupe seeds arrived from Armenia in the 17th century and were planted in the town located near Rome.

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Japan. This Asian country is home to the most expensive melons in the world. The Yurabi King melon is grown in the town of Yurabi on the island of Hokkaido. The melons are grown in volcanic ash, harvested by hand, and prized for their sweetness. One melon can cost up to $10,000. 

Kavun. The Turkish word for melon is kavun, which originated from the ancient word kagun.

Lycopene. A powerful antioxidant responsible for the bright pink color of watermelons. Studies indicate lycopene has anti-cancerous properties and can protect heart health. Lycopene is also present in tomatoes, guavas and pink grapefruit.

Muskmelon. Derived from the Persian word for aroma and the French word for melon. Muskmelon refers to a species of melons that includes Crenshaws, Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Casaba, and Persian melons.

Noir Des Carmes. A French heirloom melon also known as Black Rock thanks to its very dark skin. It belongs to the same family as cantaloupes and was famously grown by the Carmelite monks. It is very hard to find, as it must be consumed within two days of harvesting.

Ottoman cuisine. Stuffed melon was a prized dish of the Ottoman empire. This delicacy features a melon stuffed with a variety of meats, fruits, and/or rice. The optimal melon for this preparation is a small, round, and about the size of a grapefruit. 

Persian melon. A large, oblong-shaped melon similar in flavor to cantaloupe. Persian melons have green skin and a bright orange flesh. They are in season from July to late October.

Queen Anne’s Pocket Melon. An heirloom variety of melon that became popular in the American South. This tiny melon literally fits inside a pocket and has lovely yellow and orange stripes. It has been around since Victorian times and was prized for its sweetness.

Refrigeration. Once melons have been cut the key to their preservation lies in refrigeration. Melons should be peeled, sliced into the desired shape, and stored in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated up to one week. However, uncut melons should be stored at room temperature to preserve their sweetness.

Seeds. Melon seeds are known as magaz in India. Magaz are considered a health food and are a popular addition to different recipes including panjiri, a hearty dish of nuts and seeds given to new moms for six weeks after childbirth.

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Tacuinum Sanitatis. The first colour sketches of watermelons appeared in this medieval medical manuscript. 

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Uzbekistan. Home to the world famous Khorezm melon since the 13th century. Back then, the region was known as Khorem and Fergana. Khorezm melons were very coveted in places as far away as China and India. Local farmers would dry melon slices under the summer sun in preparation for export. Dried melon is still widely used in India.

Vitamins. Did you know all varieties of melons are rich in vitamins A and C? Melons are also rich in minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium. A one-cup serving (177g) of cantaloupe contains a whopping 108% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.

Winter melon. Also known as ash gourd or wax gourd, this type of melon is popular across India and China. It has a pale green skin and mild flavor. Its long shelf life makes it readily available during the winter months.

Xigua. Watermelons are known in China as xigua (pronounced she-gwah). This Mandarin Chinese word refers to watermelons that are smaller and rounder than those popular in the United States.  

Yellow Crimson. A variety of watermelons bred to have a yellow interior and a honey-like flavor. Makes a nice addition to gourmet fruit salads or melon salads.

Zucca melon. A giant gourd believed to have originated in Sicily. Zucca melons are so large they can weigh up to 100 pounds. It is treated like a vegetable and prepared in the same fashion as zucchini or pumpkin.