In this article, we will introduce the history and types of melon. Melon is very low in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol. Melon is also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, potassium and copper and they are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin B6.
History of melon and its different types
The melon originated in Africa or the valleys of southwest Asia, especially Iran and India. However, recent discoveries from 1350 to 1120 BC in Nuragic sacred wells have shown that melon first brought to Europe by the Nuragic civilization of Sardinia during the Bronze Age. Melon was one of the first plants to be domesticated in the Old World and was one of the first plant species brought to the New World by the West. A number of Native American tribes in New Mexico, including Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Navajo, Santo Domingo, and San Felipe, retained their melon-growing tradition, one of the first to be introduced by the Spanish.
Different types of melon
Watermelon
Scientific name: Citrullus lanatus
Watermelon is a grape-like plant that flowers and has a thick green skin. Its fleshy center can be red, orange or even yellow and it has a lot of water. One of the most popular types of melons, watermelon can grow up to 90 kg, although most watermelons are not nearly as big.

Cantaloupe
Scientific name: Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis
Unlike watermelon, cantaloupe has a firmer texture and smaller volume. Cantaloupe can be served as part of a fruit salad, in a variety of desserts or ice cream, or simply eaten. Cantaloupe is also very nutritious because it contains vitamin A and many antioxidants.

Winter melon
Scientific name: Benincasa hispida
Although this variety is harvested in summer, it is known as winter melon due to its long shelf life. Because it tastes so mild, it is often used as a vegetable in soups and stews.

Casaba Melon
Scientific name: Cucumis melo var.
Flavor: Spicy, slightly sweet
Casaba melon, which is usually served raw or in fruit salads. It tastes is like cucumber and it’s available in winter and summer. It has long shelf life and available when it turns yellow. Casaba has smooth skin and longitudinal and wrinkled grooves.

Golden Langkawi Melon
This melon originates from the Langkawi region of Malaysia and has a high quality and can weigh up to about 3 kg. While other types of melons have a lace skin, Langkawi has a very smooth and golden skin. This melon is slightly elliptical, has a lot of water and a lot of sugar.

The largest melon producing countries in the world
- China 12,961,399.93 tons
- Turkey 1,779,369.00 tons
- Iran 1,680,252.00 tons
- India 1,218,697.00 tons
- Kazakhstan 929.150.00 tons
- United States 846,397.00 tons
- Egypt 703,889.00 tons
- Guatemala 642,270.00 tons
- Spain 630,825.00 tons
- Italy 613,080 tons
Nutrition fact of cantaloupe in 100 grams
- Calories 34
- Fat 0.19 g
- Saturated fat 0.051 g
- Unsaturated fat 0.081 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 16 mg
- Total carbohydrates 8.16 g
- Dietary fiber 0.9 g
- Sugars 7.86 g
- Protein 0.84 g
Health benefits of melon
The water, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in melon offer many health benefits. For example, antioxidants can prevent cell damage that can lead to cancer and other diseases. During metabolism, the body produces unstable molecules called free radicals that can accumulate in the body and damage cells. This damage is known as oxidative stress. Antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body and prevent oxidative stress.
The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and choline in melons all improve heart health. Eating foods rich in potassium can help lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that an adult consume an average of 4,700 mg of potassium daily to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
Dried melon
The sweet taste of dried melon with velvety texture makes it a wonderful snack. Dried melons are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Dried melons are high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. The high beta carotene content of dried melons also has anti-cancer properties.
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