Cantaloupes with orange flesh and a corky “net” on the skin. Sometimes called muskmelons because of their “musky,” sweet taste. We offer varieties of both Eastern (deeply ribbed skin) and Western (smooth-skinned) melons. The texture and complexity of the flavor of Johnny’s varieties cannot be compared to run-of-the-mill supermarket cantaloupes, which tend to be very firm and only mildly sweet in flavor. To compare disease resistance, days to maturity, and other fruit characteristics, see our Cantaloupe Varieties Comparison Chart.

Muskmelons include green-fleshed and orange-fleshed melons and are often confused with cantaloupes. “Noir des Carmes” is the only true cantaloupe we carry.

Cantaloupe is also called mush melons, muskmelons, Persian melons, and rockmelons which belong to the family Cucurbitaceae that includes watermelons and honeydew. It is widely grown in Europe and California. It weighs down from 500 g to 5 Kg (1 to 10 pounds). The seeds of Cantaloupe possess 30 to 35% of protein, 40-45% of fat, 8-10% of carbohydrate and minerals as well as fibers. It possesses omega-3 fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. It also possesses the micronutrients such as potassium, selenium, zinc, and copper. Cantaloupe seeds also contain high content of fat-soluble vitamin E such as tocopherol.

How to Grow: Melons require a loose, warm, sandy loam of pH 7 to reach their full potential. They will not thrive on soil that is below pH 6, nor will they thrive in peat, muck, or heavy clay soil. An even supply of water is necessary through pollination and early fruit-set, and the soil should be well supplied with nutrient-rich compost. Space plants 12-18″ apart in rows 5-6’ apart.

Seed Watering Notes: Be careful not to overwater germinating seeds or they may rot. It’s best to soak the ground or the potting soil heavily when first planting, then avoid watering again if possible until seedlings emerge. (For seeds in potting soil, keep them warm but out of direct sunlight so that they don’t dry out so fast.) Muskmelon seeds emerge in 5+ days; very lightly water ground or potting soil around day 3 or 4 to keep soil from crusting so that seeds can emerge more easily.

Direct Seeding: Once soil temperature averages 70 degrees F, sow seeds 1/2-3/4 in. deep, 1-2 in. apart, in rows 5-6 ft. apart, thinning to 12-18 in. apart.

Transplants: The root system of melons should be disturbed as little as possible; therefore, start seed in pots, not flats. Sow seeds 1/2 in. deep, 2-3 seeds per pot. Cut off weak seedlings at the base to avoid disturbing roots. Seeds germinate best at 85-90 degrees F (29-32 degrees C). Maintain seedlings at 75 degrees F or higher. Harden plants before setting out, and take care not to disturb fragile roots when transplanting. Since melon transplants are fussy, hold back a few seedlings for filling in any gaps in the row as they appear.

Harvest: When ripe, most varieties of melon slip from the vine in response to thumb pressure at the base of the stem. Ripe melons also develop a sweet aroma and an ivory-yellow coloring.

Flavor: Flavor development begins in the last two weeks before peak ripeness; knowledge of proper harvest time is important. Cool, wet, cloudy conditions may cause melons to lose flavor.

Diseases: Controlling or preventing disease is not a problem in every area or in every year, but if you have problems with diseases it is best to rely on disease-resistant or tolerant varieties.

Insect Pests: Control of cucumber beetles may be necessary to prevent the beetles from introducing bacterial? wilt. Control cucumber beetles with an Amaranth trap crop. See the cucumber section for more on cucumber beetles.

Animal Pests: Raccoons, groundhogs, and other critters love melons. Fence off melons, or buy a supermarket melon and set out a trap in the melon patch before the main crop is ready in order to catch or relocate any critters.

Solar Greenhouse Notes: Mildew tolerance is important and pollination is necessary for fruit set. Soap sprays can be used to control mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids, but the foliage of the squash and melon family may be injured by soap. Test the spray on a few leaves before spraying the entire plant.

Seed Savers: Isolate melons by a minimum of 1/8 mile for home use, or 1/2 to 1 mile for pure seed.

History

It was originated in Persia and was cultivated by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Europeans, and Romans. The seeds were brought from Armenia and cultivated in 1700 which became part of the homeland of melons. European cantaloupe is the most popular variety which was cultivated in France. It was introduced by Christopher Columbus to North America in 1494 on his second voyage to New World. In 1881, Netted Gem was introduced by W. Atlee Burpee company.

Health Benefits of Cantaloupe seeds

The seeds of Cantaloupe possess medicinal properties such as antioxidant, vermifuge, pain?-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="analgesic" data-rx-definition="An analgesic is a pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।">analgesic?, infection?, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling?, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation?, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory?, hepatoprotective, diuretic, analgesic, and renal? protective activity. The health benefits provided by Cantaloupe seeds are discussed below:

1. Source of protein

Getting protein from non-dairy or vegetarian products is very difficult. Cantaloupe seeds are a great source of protein on a plant based. It possesses about 4% fat, 3.6% protein, and 2.5% carbohydrate. The study shows that these seeds are an excellent source of protein resembling the nutritional content of soy milk.

2. Antioxidant activity

Cantaloupe seeds are a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin C, A and E that helps to prevent the chances of macular degeneration in the eyes. The presence of antioxidants helps to maintain the level of blood cholesterol and also lowers the chances of getting cancer. Vitamin C helps to counteract flu and cold by enhancing the immune system. It is also a source of phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium that regulates blood pressure. It promotes bone density and lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes. It also treats the health conditions such as depression, insomnia, and migraines.

3. Cardiovascular health

Cantaloupe seeds have omega-3 fatty acids that help to maintain cardiovascular function and also prevent the chances of cardiovascular problems. It is also a great source of unsaturated fat.

4. Promotes growth

The seeds of Cantaloupe promote the growth of nails and hair due to the high content of protein in them. It also assists in the maintenance of tissues in the body.

5. Eliminate intestinal worms

These seeds also assist in the elimination of intestinal worms from the body. The intake of crushed seeds could be helpful. It eliminates excess phlegm and also provides relief from congestion.

6. Assist weight loss?

Being a great source of fiber, it assists in losing weight.

Culinary uses

• The seeds are consumed by roasting.
• It could be consumed raw or added to fruit servings or salads which helps to add extra crunchiness or enhance the taste.
• The seeds could be added to smoothies that help to add thickness.
• It is sprinkled on buns, loaves of bread, or sandwiches.
• It is also used to thicken stews, soups, and gravies.
• It could be added to crumbles and apple pies.

References