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MELONS
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Melons are widely available and grown in many parts of the world. In ancient Egypt, watermelons were traditionally offered to thirsty travelers, and they are still important today in times of drought or water pollution. Aromatic melon varieties were prized from early times in the Middle East. Melons are related to cucumbers, pumpkin, squash, and gourds, growing as they all do on long, trailing vines.  VarietiesSummer melons include the following: Watermelon This large melon can weigh from just a few pounds (about 454 to 1,360 grams) to up to 90 pounds (40.5 kg). It has a water content of up to 95 percent and is a popular summer treat, eaten sliced, or cut into fruit salad. It wears a green rind (some varieties have pale green stripes), with red, white, yellow, or pink flesh, and can be found in a round, oval, or oblong shape, with seeds and seedless. The watermelon is said to be African in origin, with over 50 varieties in existence worldwide. Cantaloupe Called Charentais in France, cantaloupes have orange flesh and a distinctive taupe, rough-surfaced rind, sometimes with green stripes. What Americans call cantaloupes are in reality a variety of muskmelon. Muskmelon Also called netted melons, muskmelons are round, with orange flesh and a ruddy beige “netted” skin. Several hybrid varieties exist that combine desirable characteristics of the muskmelon and cantaloupe. Cranshaw This is an oval-shaped summer melon with a golden-yellow rind. Winter melons (available in American markets, but imported from tropical climates) include the following: Honeydew These melons have a smooth, pale-green to creamy yellow skin with sweet, pale-green flesh. Honeydews can range in shape from round to oval and usually weigh from 3 to 6 pounds (about 1,362 to 2724g). Casaba Casabas are round or oval melons with yellow or orange skin that is green at the ends. The flesh is creamy white. Canary Fragrant when ripe, these oblong melons have bright yellow rinds and sweet, off-white flesh. Persian This variety looks like a large muskmelon. It has dark green skin with taupe netting and firm orange flesh. Prince Similar to a honeydew in outer appearance, the round Prince melon has orange flesh. Ogen This is a small, round, hybrid melon created in the 1960s on an Israeli kibbutz. It usually has green to yellow skin with juicy pink or light green flesh. Galia Also an Israeli hybrid, this melon has a beige rind and aromatic, light green flesh. Santa Claus This oblong melon has yellow skin with prominent green and black stripes. The Santa Claus melon has a pale green flesh similar to that of a honeydew. AvailabilityAlthough many melons are now available year-round, their peak seasons are as follows: watermelon, May to August; cantaloupes and muskmelons, June through August; cranshaws, July through October; honeydew and prince melons, June to October; casaba, canary, Ogen, Galia, Santa Claus, and Persian melons, July to November. Preparation, uses, and tipsMelons are often served for breakfast, as an appetizer, dessert, or snack. Larger melons are sliced in serving-size portions; smaller melons are typically cut in half and the pulp and seeds are scooped out before serving. Depending on their size, melons can be served in their skins, halved or cut in wedges, or peeled for used in salads or appetizers. The flesh can also be cut into cubes or scooped into balls with a melon-baller. Nutritional HighlightsMelon (cantaloupe), 1 cup (approx. 11.5
balls) *Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines. Health benefits and concernsHealth benefits and
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