Muskmelon
Muskmelon (Cucumis melo)
Muskmelon (pronunciation: /ˈmʌskˈmɛlən/) 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).
Etymology
The term "muskmelon" is derived from the Persian word "musk" meaning perfume, and the Latin word "melon" meaning apple, due to its fragrant smell.
Description
Muskmelons are round or oblong in shape, usually weighing between 2 and 5 pounds. They have a rough, netted skin and sweet, aromatic flesh that is typically pale orange. The flesh is high in vitamin A and vitamin C.
Varieties
There are several varieties of muskmelon, including:
- Cantaloupe - This is the most common variety of muskmelon in the United States. It has a rough, netted skin and sweet, orange flesh.
- Honeydew - This variety has a smooth, pale green skin and sweet, green flesh.
- Crenshaw - This variety is a hybrid of the cantaloupe and the Persian melon. It has a smooth, yellow skin and sweet, orange flesh.
- Casaba - This variety has a wrinkled, yellow skin and mildly sweet, white flesh.
- Persian melon - This variety is similar to the cantaloupe, but it is larger and has a more pronounced netting on the skin.
- Santa Claus or Christmas melon - This variety has a thick, green-striped skin and sweet, white flesh.
Cultivation
Muskmelons are typically grown in warmer climates, as they require a long growing season. They are usually planted in the spring and harvested in the summer or early fall.
Nutritional Value
Muskmelons are a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, and also contain Potassium, Fiber, and Folate.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Muskmelon
- Wikipedia's article - Muskmelon
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