Melon: The Different Types of this Summer Fruit
Have a sweet tooth? Struggling to drink enough water this summer? Why not indulge in some delicious melon. But, aren’t there a bountiful of different types to choose from? Well, in today’s blog we discuss how to tell theses circular fruits apart. Plus, their history and the symbolism!
Different Types of Melon
Melons come in all different shapes and sizes. Additionally, they vary in taste and texture. Not sure which you should add to your fruit salad? Check out this list!
Watermelon
A classic summer snack, watermelon are native to Africa. They have an extremely high water content, therefore allowing them to remain cool even after being removed from the fridge.
Common features include:
- firm green outer rind
- soft pink inner flesh dotted with seeds
Cantaloupe
There are two variations of cantaloupe: European and North American. Both types have a sweet orange flesh.
The European melons come from Canatalupo, Italy — they get their name from their birthplace. Its skin is grey-green with white stripes.
The North American fruit grow in warm regions across Mexico, Canada, and the US. Its skin is netted.
Armenian Cucumber
Botanically, this fruit is melon. However, it taste and looks like a cucumber. It finds its roots in 1400s western Asian. Unlike the majority of the rest of its family, it is eaten in its entirety.
Galia
A hybrid between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, this fruit came to be in 1970s Israel. It boasts a heavily netted rind and a sweet and spicy flavour.
Canary
Although their bright yellow skin mistakes them for honeydews, canary melons are much tangier. Oval-shaped, they are bigger than cantaloupes and sport a soft pale green flesh.
Winter
This fruit gets its name from its long shelf life. This is due to its waxy skin which protects the inner flesh. Dark green in exterior, the flesh is pale, seeded, and tastes rather bland. Therefore, it is frequently used in cooking or in pickling.
Snap
Not only is this sour-tasting melon edible, but it also provides relief for minor cuts and burns! The fruit itself boasts and oval shape and smooth skin.
Honeydew
Pale green and watery, honeydew taste good both raw and dried. Additionally, their seeds are also quite taste!
Common features include:
- yellow or green smooth waxy-rind
- green flesh with seeds in the centre
- rich in Vitamin C and B
Santa Claus
Like other melons on this list, the Santa Claus fruit doesn’t have a smell. And, it has a long shelf life like the Winter variety! What’s more, it is comparable to honey due in terms of mildness and sweetness.
Casaba
Noticeable by its unique look, casaba melons have a round shape that comes to a defined point. Its thick rind protects its pale creamy green flesh — best used in cold recipes and smoothies!
Honey Globe
Round in shape, this fruit has a 20% sugar content. Therefore, making it one of the sweetest on this list.
Common features include:
- white with green markings rind
- white, juicy and soft flesh
Gac
Our last melon is the Gai, hailing from Vietnam. Whilst a traditional oval-shape, this fruit is covered in a red or dark orange spiked rind. Comparable to the taste of an avocado, it finds its use in curries, stews, and soups.
The History and Symbolism
Melons originated in Africa and in the hot valleys of Southwest Asia. They gradually began to appear in Europe toward the end of the Western roman Empire. Recent discoveries date them between 1350 and 1120 BC. Botanically, they are a type of berry.
The fruit is a symbol of vitality and luxury.
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