In fact, the Melon plant, which produces melons that can be eaten almost throughout all seasons with greenhouse cultivation, although its fruit ripens in summer and autumn, is from the Cucurbitaceae family. The homeland of the annual creeping herbaceous plant melon is Asia Minor. It can grow almost everywhere in our country except for some very cold regions.
The plant's trunk can grow 3-5 m above the ground. Its leaves are quite large, heart-shaped and vaguely angular. Its yellow male and female monoecious flowers are located in the leaf axils on the same plant. Pollination is achieved by insects and especially vulgaris. Its fruits, called melons, reach maturity in 80-120 days and weigh 1-6 kg.
These fruits, which have orange flesh, are juicy and have a pleasant aroma, are divided into two main groups as early and winter melons. The two important varieties of early melons are the yellow colored thin-skinned melons called topatan and kantalupus, which have recently started to be produced abundantly in our country, weighing 2-3 kg. Altınbaş and Hasanbey melons are the late-maturing ones.
Altınbaş melon has a mixed yellow and green rind, orange flesh, very tasty and fragrant. Its weight varies between 1-6 kg. Hasanbey melon weighs 3-4 kg, has a dark green wrinkled rind and is suitable for long-term storage. Melon is a refreshing fruit and is consumed fresh.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
The nutritional values of 100 g. sliced melon are as follows: 30 calories; 0.7 g. protein; 7.5 g. carbohydrates; 0 cholesterol; 0.1 g. fat; 0.3 g. fiber; 16 mg. phosphorus; 14 mg. calcium; 0.4 mg. iron; 12 mg. sodium; 251 mg. potassium: 16 mg. magnesium; 3,400 IU vitamin A: 0.04 mg. vitamin B1; 0.03 mg. vitamin B2; 0.6 mg. vitamin B3; 0.86 mg. vitamin B6; 8.4 mcgr. folic acid: 33 mg. vitamin C and 0.1 mg. vitamin E.
BENEFITS TO OUR HEALTH
In addition to containing particularly high levels of vitamin A and potassium minerals;
Melon has important effects that prevent blood clotting and therefore blockage in the veins: For this reason, it is recommended to eat plenty of it. Today, people in Western countries take care to start the day healthily by eating cantaloupe and other types of melon for breakfast.
Melon is very rich in substances that can prevent cancer: It is claimed by experts that it defends the body against many types of cancer.
