Melon, property of the Melon

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Melon	Known for its imposing size, its orange color, its sweet taste and freshness: the melon, together with the watermelon, has become the emblem of summer
Melons: land of origin	Probably, the melon originates from Asia, but Africa is also considered a plausible land of origin for many authors
Melons: diffusion	Melon cultivation is widespread throughout the world China is the world's largest melon producer In Italy, 23, 000 hectares of land are destined for the cultivation of melons
Melons: soil requirements	Melon is a rather demanding plant in terms of climate, soil and humidity → warm climate, deep and well drained soil, low humidity → very cultivated in greenhouses
Melon: botanical analysis	Botanical name: Cucumis melo Family: Curcubitaceae Description: annual plant Stem: creeping, able to branch and become a climber Leaves: lobed, reniform and rounded Roots: developed both in depth and on the surface Fruit: peponide Pulp: fleshy orange-yellow, juicy and very sweet Peel: hard and massive epicarp Internal (seeds): set in a spongy and fibrous mass
Melon: variety and types	Fruit melons: reticulated melons (or netted, with white or yellowish flesh) inodorus type melons (winter melon, with white or pink flesh and smooth skin) cantaloupe melons (with smooth pericarp and typically orange flesh) Vegetable melons: bitter melons ( momordica group), exploited for their medicinal properties snake melons or tortarello, used in salads such as cucumbers
Winter melon	Features: typical of cold months smooth and yellow pericarp white and fleshy pulp more delicate and less sweet taste compared to summer melons, but the preservation is definitely longer Variety: Naples giant, Morettino melon, Malta melon
Preservation of melons and characteristics	Storage: in the fridge, at a temperature not below 5 ° C Unripe melons: storage at room temperature Quality of the melon: to the touch it must not be soft, and must give off an intense and strong perfume from the skin
Melon: nutritional composition	Kcal / 100 grams: 33 Water: thick> 90% Sugars: 10-13% Fibers, proteins, fats: <1% Vitamins: A, C, PP, B1 and B2 Mineral salts: potassium, phosphorus, calcium and sodium
Melon: virtue	Formerly: Melon = harmful fruit, responsible for the death of some emperors Melon = diminishes the genital seed Currently: Strong antioxidant food It stimulates the production of melanin, favoring tanning and protecting the skin from solar radiation Important role in enhancing visual capacity Help in strengthening teeth and bones Excellent depurative, diuretic and refreshing Suitable for treating burns and burns (soothing properties)
Ham and melon	Makes the melons tastier Makes the melons more digestible and less laxative