The fruit with the original name of the cantaloupe is nothing more than a kind of melon familiar to everyone. It has a characteristic appearance with a grid of stripes on the peel and small size (15-20 cm in diameter). There is an opinion that this plant of the pumpkin family was first exported from Armenia to Europe in the 15th century.
The cantaloupe melon was presented to the head of the Catholic Church as an exquisite dessert. Papa really liked it, and he sent its seeds to his estate in Cantalupia (a commune in Italy today) for further cultivation. Currently, it is a widely cultivated culture not only in the Old World, but also in the New.
Description
This type of melon is also found on sale under the name American, Musk, Thai. The largest crops are currently harvested in Thailand. The plant has the characteristic fruits of an oval-rounded shape with a thick and dense skin with a kind of mesh. The length of the melon on average does not exceed 20 cm, the flesh is from yellow to bright orange, sweet, fragrant.
Product value
Cantaloupe melon, whose yellow flesh has an incomparable aroma and delicate taste, is a valuable food product. The fruit is famous for its high content of ascorbic acid, which has a beneficial effect on the state of immunity and helps the body cope with viruses and infections. Melon is also good from a nutritional point of view, since the inosine in its pulp prevents the formation of cholesterol and the accumulation of fat, and also strengthens the hair. Thai melon (photo above) contains a record high amount of carotene, as well as folic acid, B vitamins, fiber.
The food, as a rule, is fresh. In addition, melon is used in the preparation of various desserts, vegetable and fruit salads, toppings for baking, jam.
A plant with small but very tasty fruits is of interest not only in terms of industrial cultivation, but also for owners of small estates. This is the only type of melon that is widely and successfully cultivated throughout Western Europe, including Russia.
Advantages and disadvantages of culture
First of all, it should be said that cantaloupe melon is the ancestor of almost all European varieties and a close relative of the Central Asian. Culture has a number of positive qualities and small flaws:
- The characteristic coarse mesh peel prevents cracking of the fruit from excess moisture.
- The plant is perfectly adapted to wet and cool summers.
- Cantaloupe melon ripens 2-3 times faster than Asian varieties.
- The plant is characterized by high resistance to such a disease as powdery mildew - the scourge of melons in rainy summers.
- Larger cantaloupe inferior to Asian relatives, less fragrant, but still has high taste characteristics.
- It is not stored for a long time, therefore it is recommended for consumption in the first 2-3 weeks after collection, after 1-1.5 months the fruits lose all attractiveness.
Cantaloupe Melon: Growing
Experts advise choosing a place separate from other cultures for planting. It should be well lit and warmed up by the sun, without cold drafts and winds. The southern slopes of the site are most optimal in this regard. Thai melon (photo of the fruit is presented in the article) prefers light soils that pass moisture and air well, cultivated and with a neutral reaction of the environment. Preferably, the autumn introduction of organics (compost, manure) under a not very deep digging (up to 30 cm), in the amount of 5-6 kg per square meter of area. The plant is hygrophilous and requires abundant systematic watering.
Melon is planted directly in the ground or in a seedling method, with the second option being preferred for cold regions. Planting is carried out as soon as the soil warms up well (+ 18 ° C).
Melon Care
The plant is extremely unpretentious, and not only an experienced gardener, but also an absolute beginner can grow it. Cantaloupe melon gave rise to many varieties, but the basics of caring for them are the same. Like all gourds, it is very demanding on the level of moisture in the soil, especially in a very dry and hot period.
In the spring, after planting, melons should be sheltered if there is a threat of freezing frost. Further care consists in weeding, shallow loosening after watering and top dressing with mineral preparations. Under ripening fruits, it is necessary to make a lining in order to protect them from moist soil, as this can lead to decay. During the period of active growth of the plant, fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers is recommended, and after flowering and at the time of melon formation - phosphorus and potash.
Immediately during the ripening period, it is recommended to reduce watering so that they are more fragrant and sweet.
Varieties of cantaloupe melons
Currently, cantaloupe melon is not as popular as it was several decades ago, but still amateur gardeners now and then turn to the process of growing it. However, breeding work also continues. The two varieties presented below are the most promising.
- Iroquois is a new variety of East American cantaloupes. The plant is powerful, with long lashes and dark green large leaves. Ripening times are average. Fruits are clearly segmented with a coarse mesh on the peel, oval in shape, weight averages 1.2-1.7 kg. Sugar content - 12-13%. Shelf life is common for cantaloupes, so the collection of fruits must be done on time, avoiding re-ripening. The plant has a high resistance to disease.
- Blondie is a new selection with good characteristics. Ripening periods are average - 80-85 days from the moment of planting. The hybrid belongs to the well-known French variety Charente, characterized by high environmental plasticity, that is, the ability to adapt to climatic conditions, humidity level, soil characteristics. The plant is powerful, with long bushy lashes. Fruits are small, oblate or oval, weighing up to 600 g, do not have a characteristic mesh on the peel, segmented. Bright orange pulp has a sweet taste and pronounced aroma. The variety is resistant to root rot.
It is impossible not to mention the cantaloupe varieties that were most prevalent in the 50s of the last century: Prescott ordinary, warty and thin-skinned, Carmelite, Best Early English, Parisian.