The honeydew melon has become so established in supermarkets in this country over the last few decades that, with its various varieties, it is no longer considered particularly exotic.
Where does honeydew melon come from?
The honeydew melon originally comes from West Africa and is one of humanity's oldest cultivated plants. Today, honeydew melons are grown in warm climates around the world, with the main growing areas being in China, Mexico and Brazil. In Europe they are mainly grown in Greece, Spain and Italy.
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 flesh, but also for the seeds, which could be used as food on ship crossings and to make flour. Honeydew melons probably originally come from West Africa, but were planted in Egypt and Persia around 4,000 years ago. Later, sailors brought honeydew melons to America, so they are still widely cultivated today.
The origin of honeydew melons in stores at different times of the year
Today, honeydew melons are grown in warm climates in many countries. Most varieties in yield cultivation come from breeding in France and Algeria. In principle, honeydew melons are available all year round from different growing regions; 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 are in the following countries:
- China
- Mexico
- Brazil
The honeydew melon – fruit or vegetable?
Botanically, the honeydew melon belongs to the pumpkin family, which means it is also closely related to cucumbers. Despite the very sweet taste, the question always arises as to whether honeydew melons should be classified as fruit or vegetables. You should know that this distinction does not actually depend on the sweet or savory taste of a fruit, especially since honeydew melons are mainly eaten 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 must 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 & Tricks
Honeydew melons have a mild sweetness that is a perfect taste contrast to ham and for various summer appetizers.