Wednesday, August 12, 2009

History Of The Honeydew Melon







History of the Honeydew Melon


A honeydew melon is a round or oval-shaped fruit the size of a cantaloupe, with a sweet flavor and green coloring. The outside of the fruit is a hard and smooth white, yellow or green shell. Honeydew melons are popular fruits in the United States and are available year-round at most grocery stores.


History


According to Fruit and Veggie Guru, the honeydew melon is named after the French version, the White Antibes. Historians believe the melon originated in Asia and was used as early as 2400 B.C., and that it made its way to Europe in the 15th or 16th century.


Significance


According to Earthbound Farm Organic, melons were prized in the royal French court in the Middle Ages.


Time Frame


Spanish missionaries originally brought melons to California in 1683. The honeydew melon was brought to the United States from France in 1900 and became a popular crop in warm climates; today it is grown primarily in Arizona and California.


Types








Honeydew melons were grown in personal gardens until the latter part of the 20th century. Today, they are the second-most-popular commercially grown melon in the United States. Along with traditional honeydew, there is also the orange-flesh honeydew.


Features


Today, the honeydew melon is a popular fruit in the United States and is a smart option for dieters. It is low in calories and is a good source of vitamin C.

Tags: honeydew melon, United States, History Honeydew, History Honeydew Melon, Honeydew melons, melons were