The melon (Cucumis melo) belongs to the cucurbit family, which makes it related to cucumber, pumpkin and zucchini, with which it shares some of its properties and benefits.

Various theories circulate about its origin: some believe it native of the East (India, China or Persia), while others place its origin on the African continent. In any case, it was already cultivated in Egypt five millennia before our era.

Today it is one of the largest fruits, with a weight ranging between 700 g and 4 kg. The rind varies in texture and color (green, yellow, orange or even white), as does the pulp (from yellowish white to orange to green). Some of the best-known varieties of melon are Piel de Sapo, Cantaloupo, Galia or Honeydew melon.

Melon properties

Along with watermelon, melon is one of the most desirable fruits in summer and its properties come in handy in the hottest months of the year. Melon contains a lot of water, around 85%. This determines one of its main properties and is that it is a very light fruit: 100 g of its pulp represents only about 35 calories, provides 8 g of carbohydrates, fiber (1%) and a small amount of fat (0.1%) and proteins (0.6%).

Another property of melon is that it is rich in beta carotene (in the body it is converted into vitamin A) and in vitamins C and B9. With 200 g, more than 80% of the daily needs of vitamin C, 30% of B9 or folic acid and 20% of beta-carotene are covered. Both vitamin A and C are antioxidants and strengthen the immune system.

Among the minerals in melon, the potassium (330 mg/ 100 g), which explains its diuretic effect, and contains some phosphorus (21mg), calcium (6 mg) and magnesium (15 mg).

Health benefits

Its richness in water, potassium, folic acid and antioxidant vitamins makes melon a light and healthy food with many benefits for the body.

purifying effect

Due to its high water content and its contribution of fiber and potassium, Melon has a diuretic and slightly laxative action, which helps eliminate waste from the body.

This makes it have benefits for the skin and makes it recommended for people who suffer from blood vessel and heart conditions or fluid retention. It also has a beneficial effect in cases of rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Reduces blood pressure

Added to the high proportion of water and potassium is its low sodium content (20 mg/100 g), which allows it to be included in the prescribed salt-free regimes, once again, in cases of hypertension or fluid retention.

Recommended in pregnancy

Its consumption is convenient during pregnancy and the months before, since its components (calcium, magnesium, folates and vitamins A and C) are favorable to the growth of the fetus.

Its folic acid content is especially significant. A 200 g serving covers up to 30% of the daily needs of this vitamin.

To lose weight

Due to its low caloric intake and its low percentage of sugars, It is recommended in treatments against obesity and diabetes.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Its anti-inflammatory properties make this fruit a good ally in hemorrhoids treatment, including external application.

The melon in the kitchen

The most common way to consume melon in its natural state is as an after-dinner fruit. However, it lends itself very well to countless sweet and savory preparations.

It is ideal for make compotes, jams, creams, sorbets or juices, and it is increasingly used in appetizers as a snack or as a luxury ingredient in colorful skewers.

It also allows you to prepare summer and Macedonian salads.

The melon is digested Better if eaten alone. In any case, it is not advisable to take it very cold or drink large amounts of water, as it could be excessively laxative.

The most nutritious varieties rich in beta-carotene are cantaloupe, orange pulp and Gaul (small in size, rounded in shape, cracked crust and extremely sweet). He tendral It is the most common and the richest in water.

Purchase and conservation

You have to choose the most compact and heavy specimens, and Pay attention to your skin, which should be thick, without spots and with the color that corresponds to its variety.

A ripe melon has to release a sweet and delicate aroma, but not excessive, since it would be an indication that it is past.

Another way to know its status is to press, with your thumb, on the end of the stem, which should give slightly if the fruit is in good condition.

In case it is still somewhat green, we can store in a cool, airy place until it matures. However, once ripe it should be consumed soon.

It is best to keep it in the refrigerator, but only for a few days and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other aromas.

How to use seeds

Melon seeds are also nutritious and a very interesting culinary ingredient.

• Tasty appetizer: dried in the sun or in the oven, or lightly toasted, they can be salted or spiced to serve as an appetizer. Prepared in this way, their high flavonoid content stands out, which gives them antioxidant effects.
• Summer refreshment: In Mexico, a fresh water is prepared with the seeds. They are washed and drained, crushed, sweetened and mixed with chopped melon and water. The drink is refrigerated three hours before serving.
• Soothing oil: An edible oil rich in flavonoids and with pectoral and soothing properties is also extracted from melon seeds by pressure.