Melon

Man has been aware about the existence and uses of melons for the past 4000 years. Today, a wide variety of melons are known to exist around the world. Being lower in calories and having high water content, the melon is a refreshing and healthy food.

History

The melon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family with its characteristic fleshy fruits. Thought to be originally from the Middle Eastern region, the melon seeds were transported to the Americas by Columbus and the Spanish explorers, gradually spreading its popularity across Europe.

Purpose/Use

The seeds are used for preparing delicious sweets and snacks. They can be added to traditional halwas and fruit fudges for enhancing the flavors. The melon seeds can also be used as a mouth freshener when mixed with nuts and spices. A paste of melon seeds are added to spicy meat dishes to thicken its consistency. The hard flesh of the melon fruit is not wasted either and is used to season flour for making exotic breads. Melon seeds are laid out for drying, cleaned and these are then, processed and sold commercially. White melon seeds are fried and then used in making various types of cakes. These are used to make anthelminthics which is an effective and chemical side effects free herbal medicine. Another innovative usage for melon seeds is in cereals and fruit puddings. The seeds are sold in the shell or peeled for later usage.

Benefits & Features

The melon seed is, generally, a grayish white hard shell with a white inner kernel, which is soft and oval in shape. The seeds of the melon are rich in protein, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, fats and other nutrients. It lacks any distinct scent, but has a nutty and sweet taste. The melon seeds are used in baking, dressing of bread cake, confectionery, supari, sweets, refreshing drinks and snack foods. They can also be directly consumed after roasting.