2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The melon is an extremely sweet and juicy fruit, a member of the same plant family as pumpkins and cucumbers. With proven benefits for human health in a wide range, melons are a seasonal food that we should not deprive ourselves of. Summer is the time when melons ripen and regular eating guarantees good tone and mood. In addition, the juicy and sweet taste of melons brings coolness in the hot summer months.
The origin of melons has its origins in the Middle East and they are gradually gaining popularity throughout Europe. Even the ancient Egyptians and Romans ate the now popular type of cantaloupe or maskmelan. Melon seeds were brought to the United States by Christopher Columbus and cultivated by Spanish researchers in California.
By its nature melon (Cucumis melo) is an annual creeping plant that loves heat and light. Similar in shape and color to the sun, the melon grows thanks to the sun and irrigation. On average, the melon can reach from 500 g to as much as 7 kg.
The different varieties melon differ in shape, structure of the outer shell, color and, of course, taste. The color range of different melons varies from greenish to yellow-green and often the fruit can be colored golden, cream and patterned.
Thanks to their cultivation by the ancient Greeks and Romans, more than 500 varieties of melon are known today. Some of the most common and consumed are Copper Dew, Elando, Tsarevets, Persian and Vidin cows. Number one in the cultivation of these delicious summer fruits are Uzbekistan, USA, Spain and France. In Bulgaria, the cultivation of melons also has a centuries-old tradition.
Types of melons
Cantaloupe - This species, also called maskmelan, has a bright orange inside and khaki bark. This is the type of melon that contains the most beta carotene. It can usually be found all year round, but from June to August it is in its peak season.
Kasaba - Unlike other melons, this species has no aroma. Kasaba is a large melon that reaches a pale yellow color when ripe and has a white inside with a sweet taste. The peak season of this type of melon is in autumn.
Crishow - This kind melon reaches a weight of up to five kilograms and has a unique both sweet and spicy taste. It is a hybrid between kasaba and Persian melon, has a yellowish bark and salmon-colored interior. The peak season for this type of melon is from August to September.
Honey dew - This is the sweetest of all types of melons and is relatively small in size. The Honeydew species has a light yellow, almost greenish bark and a pale green interior. The peak season for this type of melon is from June to October.
Persian melon - This type of melon is quite similar to the Kentalup type, but slightly larger in size and the outside of the bark is surrounded by the likeness of a fine net. Persian melons have a peak season in August and September.
Santa Claus - This type of melon is also known as Christmas melon, because its peak season is in December. This variety is similar to watermelon and has green and gold stripes, but is not as sweet as other melons.
Charlene - This type of melon resembles a combination of Cantalup and Honeydew. It is a sweet variety, with a greenish-orange rind and a white inside.
In general, melons should be shaped according to their variety. For example, the type of Cantalup should be round, etc.
Composition of melon
In 100 g melon contain between 26-38 kcal depending on its variety, with calories from fat for only 1 year. Melon is considered a healthy food, important for a balanced diet and supplying our body with a moderate amount of carbohydrates, including glucose, fructose and sucrose.. Melon is a source of starch and pectin, which are not absorbed in the digestive system, but are very important because they have the ability to absorb harmful substances in the intestines and remove them from the body.
The delicious fruit is a valuable source of many vitamins, including A, C and K, and the greatest amount of minerals is potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, selenium and calcium, all of which are important for the proper functioning of various systems in the human body. Melon and its nutrients are important for the immune system and increase the body's resistance.
Selection and storage of melons
When choosing melons, it is necessary to choose those that do not have cracks, soft spots or bruises. You should look for those melons that have a clean and smooth stalk and the specific so pleasant and appetizing fruity aroma.
Uncut melon can be stored at room temperature for two to four days or until fully ripe, and then placed in the refrigerator, where it lasts up to 5 days. Sliced melon is necessary to store in the refrigerator, in a closed container and last up to 3 days.
Culinary use of melon
The melon is a fruit whose taste is best expressed when it is raw. Combine it with other summer fruits in a tempting fruit salad or make a delicious dessert salad with just melon, raisins and honey.
Benefits of melon
Melon contains an average of about 18% sugars. They are suitable for people suffering from anemia and diseases of the circulatory system. People with biliary problems would get better if they included melons in their diet. The delicious fruit is a great cosmetic for those who want to clarify their complexion.
Melons contain a large amount of vitamin C and potassium. These delicious fruits are characterized by their high water content and very low calorie content. Melons are known to be free of fat and cholesterol.
The masks from melon remove pigment spots and erase surface capillaries. Gallium melons are recommended for diabetics and obese people. They have the lowest sugar content, which is why they are very juicy and fragrant.
Regular eating of melon is recommended for people suffering from pathological conditions such as gout, atherosclerosis, rheumatism, tuberculosis, constipation, osteochondrosis and colds. The fruit nourishes the thymus and thyroid gland, and their health keeps the immune system in full working order. Melon significantly improves intestinal peristalsis and urine output, which leads to cleansing of the body.
Weight loss with melon
On hot summer days, melon is a great way to cool down, refresh and why not lose some extra pounds. Regular consumption of melon helps rid the body of toxic substances, also satisfies hunger and thus helps dietary nutrition.
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