Melon

Melon is a term used to describe various types of fruit in the family Cucurbitaceae. The word "melon" can refer to either the plant or specifically to the fruit. Botanically, a melon is a kind of berry, specifically a "pepo". The word melon derives from Latin melopepo, which is the latinization of the Greek μηλοπέπων (mēlopepōn), meaning "melon", itself a compound of μῆλον (mēlon), "apple, treefruit (of any kind)" and πέπων (pepōn), amongst others "a kind of gourd or melon".

History

Melons originated in Africa and southwest Asia, but they gradually began to appear in Europe toward the end of the Roman Empire. Melons were among the earliest plants to be domesticated in both the Old and New Worlds. Early European settlers in the New World are recorded as growing honeydew and casaba melons as early as the 1600s.

Types of Melons

There are many different types of melons. Some of the more common types include the Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Watermelon, and Crenshaw. Less common types include the Gac, Bitter melon, and Horned melon.

Cultivation

Melons are typically grown from seeds. The plants have a growth habit similar to that of other Cucurbitaceae family members such as cucumbers and squash. They are often grown in a "hill" or mound of soil.

Nutritional Value

Melons are low in calories and fat, but high in essential vitamins and minerals. They contain almost no cholesterol or sodium.

See Also

• List of melons
• Cucurbita
• Cucumis

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Melon

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