Muskmelon

Muskmelon is a species of melon that has been developed into many cultivated varieties. These include smooth-skinned varieties such as honeydew, Crenshaw, and casaba, and different netted cultivars (cantaloupe, Persian melon, and Santa Claus or Christmas melon). The Armenian cucumber is also a variety of muskmelon, but its shape, taste, and culinary uses more closely resemble those of a cucumber. The large number of cultivars in this species approaches that found in wild cabbage, though morphological variation is not as extensive. It is a fruit of a type called pepo.

History

The muskmelon originated in Persia, from where it spread to the rest of the world. It was cultivated in Egypt and Greece in ancient times and was later introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages. The muskmelon was one of the first plants to be domesticated in the New World, and was grown by Native Americans before the arrival of Columbus.

Cultivation

Muskmelons are warm-season crops that are typically grown in temperate climates. They require a long growing season and are usually grown from seed. The plants are vines that grow on the ground and produce fruit after pollination by bees. The fruit is typically harvested in the late summer or early fall.

Varieties

There are many varieties of muskmelon, including the Cantaloupe, which is the most common type in the United States. Other varieties include the Honeydew melon, the Crenshaw melon, and the Casaba melon. Each variety has its own unique taste, texture, and color.

Nutritional Value

Muskmelons are a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, and also contain significant amounts of Dietary fiber. They are low in calories and fat, and contain no cholesterol.

See Also

• Melon
• Cucumis melo
• Cantaloupe
• Honeydew (melon)