The honeydew melon is one of the most sought-after types of melon on the market in this country due to its exquisite taste. But there are also small differences within the variety depending on the variety and origin.
Which varieties belong to the honeydew melon?
The honeydew melon is a subspecies of muskmelon and is known for its exquisite taste. The different varieties include Charentais melon, cantaloupe melon, Galia melon, Futuro melon and the yellow canary (honeydew melon).
The honeydew melon and other muskmelons
The honeydew melon is a subspecies of the so-called sugar melons. Their best-known representatives are the following melon varieties:
- Charentais melon
- Cantaloupe melon
- Galia melon
- Futuro Melon
- Honeydew melon or yellow canary
While the Charentais melon is relatively small, a honeydew melon can weigh around two kilograms. Since a honeydew melon is ripe, it should be cut and stored in the refrigerator like the watermelon. Since the honeydew melon does not really ripen if it is harvested unripe, it should only be harvested or purchased when it is fully ripe.
The origin of today's varieties
The honeydew melon, like the watermelon, originally came from Africa. The tasty fruits were grown in Persia several thousand years ago. The varieties commercially available today got their name “Yellow Canary” from one of their main growing regions, but actually come from breeding in Algeria and France. The seeds from commercially available fruits can usually be easily used for cultivation in the greenhouse or in your own garden.
Grow your own honeydew melon
Before sowing, you must first remove any pulp that is attached to the seeds. Otherwise, the seeds can become moldy very quickly after being planted in the seed pot and spoil before germination. Since honeydew melons need a lot of sun and warmth to grow and produce fruit, growing them in a greenhouse is advisable. The plants can also be grown on the windowsill in early spring and then planted out in a sunny location in the garden from May onwards. Before planting out, you should first accustom the young plants to the strong sunlight outdoors for a few days by placing the plants and pots outside for a few hours per day.
Tips & Tricks
The honeydew melon, with its mildly sweet flesh, tastes very good not only as a dessert or as a fruity refreshment in between. A popular type of appetizer combines the sweetness of honeydew melon with the savory spice of smoked ham.