- The triumph of the honeydew melon throughout the world
- The origin of honeydew melons in the trade at different times of the year
- Honeydew melon - fruit or vegetable?
- tips and tricks
The honeydew melon has become so established in the supermarkets in Germany over the last few decades that it is no longer considered particularly exotic with its different varieties.
The triumph of the honeydew melon throughout the world
Scientists have been able to prove that the honeydew melon is one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history. In general, melons were valued thousands of years ago not only for their fully ripe fruit flesh, but also for the seeds, which could be used as food on ship crossings and to make flour. Honeydew melons originally come from West Africa, but were planted in Egypt and Persia around 4000 years ago. Later, seafarers also brought honeydew melons to America, so they are still widely cultivated today.
The origin of honeydew melons in the trade at different times of the year
Today, honeydew melon is grown in many countries in warm climates. Most varieties in commercial cultivation come from breeds in France and Algeria. In principle, honeydew melons from different growing areas are available all year round, in Germany they are grown locally in the southern Rhine Valley and in the Palatinate. However, honeydew melons are cheapest to get during the peak season from June to September, when they are harvested in the following European countries:
- Greece
- Spain
- Italy
Globally, the most important growing areas for honeydew melons in terms of quantity are in the following countries:
- China
- Mexico
- Brazil
Honeydew melon - fruit or vegetable?
Botanically, the honeydew melon belongs to the pumpkin family, so it is closely related to cucumbers. Despite the very sweet taste, the question always comes up as to whether honeydew melons should be classified as fruit or vegetables. You should know that this distinction does not really depend on the sweet or savory taste of a fruit, especially since honeydew melons are eaten mainly as a dessert in this country, but in other countries they are also eaten in savory preparations. Since the honeydew melon plant has to grow anew every year and has to grow completely new from the seeds in the new season, the honeydew melon has to be strictly scientifically classified as a vegetable. On the other hand, olives, for example, count as fruit despite their taste because they grow on perennial trees.
tips and tricks
Honeydew melon has a mild sweetness that is perfect as a flavor contrast to ham and for various summery appetizers.