Useful properties of kumquat
The delicious citrus fruit contains 100 grams of the daily requirement of vitamin C for a child and half for an adult. Sold from mid-autumn to the end of winter, during the cold season. Eating kumquat is useful for preventing influenza and acute respiratory infections and for increasing immunity.
For all
- The fruit is rich in pectin and contains natural enzymes that are useful for normalizing the gastrointestinal tract during diarrhea and dysbacteriosis. Eating kumquat is necessary to improve digestion and for severe constipation.
- The fruits contain fiber, which, like a brush, cleanses the intestines of accumulated toxins and improves metabolism. Recommended on a diet for weight loss, 3-5 fruits are eaten 20 minutes before breakfast, washed down with water.
- Eating kumquat reduces the risk of depression and nervous disorders; the pulp contains a balanced composition of minerals and essential oils that normalize the functioning of the central nervous system.
- The fruit contains the substance furocoumarin, which has antifungal properties. For inflammatory processes, it is recommended to eat kumquat as an additional medicine.
- Provitamin A in the pulp nourishes the eye muscle, prevents inflammation of the retina and age-related changes associated with visual impairment. Regularly including kumquats in your diet can reduce the risk of cataracts by 3 times.
For men
- Kumquat contains an optimal combination of beta-carotene and magnesium, helps cleanse blood vessels and improve blood circulation, which is useful for increasing potency.
- Potassium in the fruit has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system and helps reduce swelling after intense workouts in the gym.
- The pulp contains carbohydrates and natural sugars, quickly saturates the body with energy and is an excellent snack to replenish strength after a workout.
For women
- On a weight loss diet, kumquat is eaten in salads to cleanse the body of bad cholesterol and break down fats.
- Essential oils contained in the peel promote the production of collagen, improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails, and help regenerate the epidermis after cleansing the face.
For children
- For runny nose, cough and other manifestations of acute respiratory diseases, inhalation of brewed kumquat peels is carried out. Essential oils penetrate the respiratory tract and effectively relieve inflammation caused by bacteria and viruses.
- For anemia, it is recommended to give children kumquat. The fruit is rich in iron and manganese, which promote hematopoiesis and increase the amount of hemoglobin.
Watch this video on YouTube
Late ripening (autumn-winter and winter)
Late-ripening melons include autumn-winter and winter varieties. Fruiting is observed 90-120 days from the moment of planting in the ground. The crop tolerates transportation well. The plant is frost-resistant and resistant to changes in weather conditions.
A pineapple
This variety is one of the brightest examples of pineapple melon. It has a strong aroma and pronounced sweet taste. The plant has long vines; up to 5 fruits weighing from 2.5 to 3 kg are formed on one bush.
The peel is orange and has a mesh pattern. The white flesh is very tender and oily. The harvest can be stored for up to 1.5 months without the use of chemicals. It tolerates transportation well and has a universal culinary purpose.
Wintering
A late-ripening variety, the harvest can be harvested in 87-95 days. The plant is quite powerful, with long vines. The fruits are oval-shaped, yellow-green in color. There is no pattern on the peel, the placentas are dense. The pulp is light green, the taste is average.
The maximum weight of a melon is 2.5 kg. The variety has received positive reviews from gardeners and is used for planting in regions with cold climates. The plant is immune to infections typical for the culture.
Golden
The variety was bred by Krasnodar breeders and is recommended for growing in areas with a warm climate under film. The fruits can be harvested after 90 days. The melon has an oblong-rounded shape, with a pronounced mesh on the green-yellow peel.
The pulp is juicy and tender, has a pleasant aroma. The plant is capricious to weather conditions; for stable yields it requires high humidity and heat. There is resistance to viral and fungal diseases.
The harvest is not suitable for long-term storage, but due to its attractive presentation it is often used for sale.
Torpedo (Rainbow)
The most popular variety of Asian selection, bred in Uzbekistan. It has a late ripening period, the fruits are formed in 90-100 days. The plant is extremely thermophilic and is not suitable for cultivation in regions with cold summers. In the Russian climate, melon grows up to 5 kg.
It has a rich yellow color with thin white veins. Productivity – 2.5-3 kg/m2. When planting, it should be taken into account that the bush is very powerful, so an increased interval between plants is required. Immunity to diseases is at an average level; in early spring it is advisable to treat seedlings with fungicides.
Kassaba
Asian melon, belonging to the cantaloupe species. The fruits develop round or flattened shape. The pulp is very sweet, but has no aroma. With increased soil moisture, looseness may occur. The harvest ripens within 90-100 days from planting.
It can be used for storage, processing or sale. It is advisable to grow the Kassaba variety in a greenhouse, since the plant is capricious to climatic conditions. Gardeners note average resistance indicators; there is a tendency to bacteriosis.
Gulyabi
The second name of this varietal group is Charjui melon. It has the shape of an elongated oval and can grow up to 7 kg. The orange peel is covered with a slightly ribbed mesh.
The flesh is white, moderately firm and crisp. The main advantage of the variety is the ability to store up to 2 months. The harvest retains attractive marketability for a long time and does not become watery.
Disadvantages include high maintenance requirements, sensitivity to weather conditions and the risk of fungal infections.
Today, several dozen varieties of melon have been developed with different ripening periods, yields and taste qualities of the fruit. When choosing a specific variety of this crop for your site, you need to take into account not only productivity, but also resistance to climate and disease.
It is recommended to purchase seeds of zoned varieties, as well as first-generation hybrids - they have the highest vitality and do not require pollinators.
Diseases and pests
The main cause of melon and melon diseases in temperate climates is high air and soil humidity, which is unusual for southern crops. Fungal, bacterial, and viral types of infection of leaves and fruits are common due to excessive watering or excess rainfall. Against the background of waterlogging, the Torpedo variety quickly develops root rot.
Typical diseases of melons:
- anthracnose;
- peronosporosis;
- powdery mildew;
- fusarium wilt.
To prevent these diseases, it is necessary to disinfect seeds and soil, and observe crop rotation. Weeds in the beds contribute to the infection of melons, so the soil in the melon patch should be kept clean until the leaves close.
With early detection of infections, spraying Torpedo melon plantings with a 1% solution of copper sulfate helps. If ineffective, treatment with specialized drugs will be required.
In the middle zone, Torpedo plantings are threatened by the following insects:
- melon fly, which spoils ripe fruits;
- spider mite - affects leaves;
- gnawing cutworms - suck out the juice of the stems.
In weed-free beds without excess moisture and with proper soil preparation in the fall, the risk of insect attacks on Torpedo plantings is noticeably reduced. If infection cannot be avoided, a special insecticide is selected for a specific type of pest.
Benefit
Due to its low calorie content, Torpedo melon is considered a dietary product. It effectively cleanses the gastrointestinal tract, activates metabolic processes and allows you to lose several unnecessary kilograms in 4-5 days. Nutritionists recommend weekly fasting melon days.
To lose weight, you need to use only fresh melon, since the calorie content of the dried product increases sharply to 342 kcal per 100 g.
Melon Torpedo is a universal product in which the pulp, peel, and seeds are useful. It has many valuable properties:
- has a mild laxative effect, so it is indispensable for prolonged constipation and hemorrhoids;
- due to the high content of ascorbic acid, it helps strengthen the immune system;
- the high iron content in its composition helps saturate the blood with oxygen and increase hemoglobin levels;
- has a diuretic, choleretic, anthelmintic effect;
- removes excess antibiotics from the body during treatment with such drugs;
- helps maintain emotional balance and promotes stable functioning of the nervous system;
- tea with melon peels is a cure for depression: it improves mood, relieves fatigue, relieves insomnia;
- compresses made from pulp relieve burns, scars and other skin defects;
- Regular consumption of Torpedo melon has a rejuvenating effect on the body as a whole.
Including melon in the daily diet has a positive effect on a person’s appearance.
By cleansing the body, this product tidies up the hair, softens the skin, and strengthens the nail plate.
Torpedo Melon is popular as a main ingredient in homemade beauty recipes. Products based on it
- prevent the appearance of wrinkles;
- smooth out existing skin irregularities;
- reduce pigmentation and lighten freckles;
- treat acne;
- stimulate collagen production;
- give the face a beautiful peach tint;
- restore hair structure;
- give freshness and shine to lips;
- relieve nails from brittleness.
Melon in syrup for the winter
Melon cooked in syrup is a bit like preparing pineapple in its recipe. But the cooking technology differs. Let’s immediately make a reservation that the recipe is designed for 6 kg of solar product. Operating procedure:
- Wash the jars thoroughly and pour boiling water over them.
- Select an undamaged, slightly unripe melon that is firm but sweet.
- Remove seeds and peel and chop nicely.
- Pack into jars. Pour boiling water over and leave for 20 minutes.
- Drain the water, add 700 g of sugar and cook the syrup for 20 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves and removing the dark foam on the surface of the water.
- Fill the jars with syrup. Sterilize for a quarter of an hour, before closing, put citric acid in the jar on the tip of a knife.
Roll up the jars, turn them over and keep warm until completely cool. Store food in a cool place if possible.
Storage rules
When purchasing melon, place it in a cool place. In its entirety, it can be stored for up to 2 weeks, and if you cut it into pieces, you need to eat it within a day, maximum two. In the pulp, large amounts of sugar rapidly cause the proliferation of microorganisms, which can cause poisoning. When storing, follow the rules:
- Only unripe and ripe melons are suitable for long-term storage. Late-ripening varieties will last longer than early-ripening crops;
- do not keep melons near heating or heating devices;
- remove the fruits away from potatoes and apples, this will extend the period;
- You can put the melons in wooden, ventilated boxes and take them out to the balcony or put them in the basement. The option of hanging from the ceiling is also acceptable;
- periodically turn the melon on different sides so that the sides do not “sag”;
- If you bought several fruits, then when storing them, place cardboard or paper between adjacent fruits; there should be no contact.
If you have a few pieces of sweet pulp left, wrap them in film or place them in a container and place them in the refrigerator, but away from foods that emit odors. Melon pulp perfectly absorbs aromas. Another option is to freeze the pieces, which will keep them for up to one year. However, after defrosting, the slices will lose their shape, so they can be used in crushed form, for example, added when preparing smoothies, fresh juices, and sweet fillings. But the most interesting recipes are salads with melon; they turn out very tasty.
A ripe sweet melon will not only bring pleasure, but will also improve the health of the body, because it is very healthy. Don’t be lazy and take a few minutes to choose a fruit, this is the only way to protect yourself from buying a low-quality product.
- 5
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
(0 votes, average: 0 out of 5)
How to choose a ripe torpedo melon
The Torpedo melon season begins in Uzbekistan in early August, from there they reach the shelves of Russia and are sold until October. Eating melons ahead of schedule is not recommended to avoid contamination of fruits grown with artificial additives.
Please note when purchasing:
- For the aroma of the fruit. It should be bright, sweet and slightly tart.
- To the surface. It should be smooth without dents.
- For elasticity. Soft fruit is overripe. Press the fruit with your fingers - a good one should not sag.
- On the knock. It should be deaf if you tap the barrel of the Torpedo fruit.
- On a ponytail. The tasty one is dry and falls off quickly.
Select fruits only from approved locations. Otherwise, there is a high risk of acquiring Torpedo fruits that have absorbed harmful substances from the air.
Growing melon
Melons have their own development cycle, which consists of the following phases:
- Germination of seeds;
- Germination;
- Whip formation;
- Bloom time with male flowers;
- Females bloom;
- to tie fruit;
- Height
- fruit ripening.
Ethiopian, like other melons, can be grown as seedlings on balconies and window sills (more information about growing melons can be found here). The most important thing is that the seedlings are not overgrown and not exposed to direct sunlight.
The technology for growing melons in greenhouses or outdoors is simple and even an inexperienced gardener can handle it. Factors influencing the development and ripening of fruits at different stages of growth are important.
These include, in particular, the following:
- Temperature conditions;
- Humidity;
- care;
- I'm eating.
Before you start sowing seeds, you need to prepare them properly. The preparation includes sorting seeds by weight, immersing selected samples in a 2% sodium chloride solution and quickly rinsing with plain water.
Please note: high-quality melon seeds fall in the water, while poor quality ones, on the contrary, fall to the surface. Melon is a very thermophilic plant. The soil for the plant should be light and rich in organic matter.
Heavy loamy and sandy soils are practically unsuitable
The soil for the plant should be light and rich in organic matter. Heavy loamy and sandy soils are practically unsuitable
Melon is a very thermophilic plant. The soil for the plant should be light and rich in organic matter. Heavy loamy and sandy soils are practically unsuitable.
The ripening period in Ethiopia is only 70-80 days. The fruits are round, 2-3 kilograms heavy. The surface of the melon is light yellow, divided by a mesh. The meat is juicy, soft and tastes honey-sweet. The Ethiopian variety is disease and burn resistant.
The fruits should not be hidden under large leaves, as they are resistant to sunburn. After the first shoots, when the melon enters the first phase of leaf development, it is necessary to begin growing and controlling weeds. Re-treatment should be carried out when the plant enters the second phase (5-8 full leaves).
Be sure to rinse the beds by hand and leave a shoot in each nest. After the third treatment, spread out the whips and sprinkle them with soil.
When it comes to irrigation, melon is very water-intensive. The amount of liquid required is measured depending on weather conditions and soil conditions. In the first stage, after the first watering, the second should be done only after the plant has been without water for 40 days
It is important not to wash off too much to prevent root rot.
Thanks to positive reviews, Ethiopian melon can be considered a leader among many varieties. Looks like pumpkin, but tastes like honey. If you choose this variety to grow on your estate and maintain it in good condition, you will not regret your choice.
Watch an interesting video about growing melons in the country:
Harvesting
For transportation and subsequent sale, Torpedo fruits are collected at the stage of technical ripeness. When growing for personal consumption, it is important to select a ripe melon from the garden and leave the remaining fruits to ripen naturally.
The level of ripeness of melon of the Torpedo variety is determined by the following characteristics:
- The fruit is separated from the stem easily, without twisting movements.
- The color of the peel is bright, uniform on all sides.
- The rings are clearly visible around the stalk.
- Melon exudes a bright, honeyed aroma.
Advice! If the fruit in the garden is unevenly colored, it should be left to ripen. You can turn the melons of the Torpedo variety so that their green side faces the sun several times.
The inside of the melon is orange - is this normal?
The pulp of this beauty contains almost 90% water, it also contains fiber and easily digestible plant sugars. Melon is considered a dietary product, and due to its large amount of vitamins, it is considered one of the most useful melons.
Ascorbic and folic acids, potassium, iodine and manganese, iron and iodine, chlorophyll, retinol, tocopherol, riboflavin - the list is large, and it is clear why melon is recommended for strengthening the immune system, preventing atherosclerosis, for losing weight and improving hematopoietic processes.
For many people, who are mostly accustomed to store-bought melons, fruits with greenish-white, yellow or cream-colored flesh are considered common. But experienced gardeners know that there are varieties that have orange-colored flesh: intensely bright, yellow-orange, pale orange, orange with pink veins.
And this is absolutely normal, and the orange color only means that the pulp contains a large amount of beta-carotene - the famous provitamin A. This “fountain of youth”, “elixir of longevity” (that’s what beta-carotene is called) is one of the most strong antioxidants, reduces the risk of coronary disease and atherosclerosis. It is indispensable for improving vision, helps improve male potency and women's health, and is needed to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. It is a natural pigment that has a bright orange tint and gives all products their corresponding color. The richer and darker the shade, the more provitamin A is contained in the product, in our case, in melon pulp.
Of course, the color of the pulp primarily depends on the variety, as well as growing conditions, abundance of sun, light, heat, and watering. In Uzbekistan, which with full confidence can be called a real “melon Mecca,” melons with orange crispy flesh are affectionately called “red myaski.” It seems that these amazing fruits absorb all the warmth of this fertile land, acquiring an incredibly delicate, velvety, enveloping taste.
In the conditions of the middle zone, as well as the North-West and the Urals, gardeners also grow certain varieties of melons. Of course, they cannot compare with southern beauties, but with proper care they can please you with both the harvest and the good taste of the fruit.
Melon with orange pulp: characteristics and description of varieties
In the diverse pumpkin family, melon occupies a special place. This magnificent product with juicy and sweet pulp is loved by many; it is no coincidence that today hundreds of varieties and hybrids have been bred, suitable for cultivation in a wide variety of regions. This melon crop includes early and late varieties, fruits with green, yellow and even white skins. There are round and oblong melons (like the familiar “torpedoes”), with cream, yellow and snow-white flesh. And there are orange melons, not only on the outside, but also on the inside. These are the melons with orange flesh that will be discussed in the article.
Features of cultivation and care
Growing and caring for cucumber requires compliance with several conditions to achieve optimal results and a rich harvest:
- The culture loves the sun, so the ideal conditions for cultivation are a dry and warm climate.
- The soil should be fertile and loose. It is fertilized with compost, humus, potassium sulfate and ammonium nitrate.
- Another important point is soil moisture. Proper watering is provided at the initial stage of growing seedlings.
Preparing seeds and growing seedlings
Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes. This promotes rapid germination of the seed and makes it possible to identify defective seeds.
Seedlings are grown by sowing seeds directly into the ground or into disposable cups. It all depends on the region of residence.
Sowing in the ground is practiced in areas with a warm and mild climate. Seeds are sown in the first ten days of May with an interval of 50–100 cm to a depth of 2 cm. After 5–7 leaves are formed, the top is pricked so that the plant produces lateral shoots. Then they are sprinkled with earth to strengthen the rhizomes.
In regions where warm weather sets in later and summer is short, preference is given to planting using seedlings. For this purpose, take peat or plastic cups and fill them with damp universal soil or special soil for vegetable crops. Place one seed in each container to a depth of 2 cm, cover with plastic wrap and leave in a well-lit place. The first shoots appear after 5–7 days. In a month, the seedlings will be ready to be planted in a greenhouse or garden.
Care
Cucumber care consists of several points:
- Water with warm water as the soil dries, but at least twice a week in open ground and once in a greenhouse. During the period of fruit ripening, reduce watering so that the fruits turn out sweet and not watery.
- Weed regularly, removing excess grass and weeds. At the same time as weeding, loosen the soil.
- As necessary, dig in the regrown shoots.
- Apply fertilizers at the initial stage of growth until the ovary appears once every 2 weeks. The best fertilizers: ash, mullein and minerals. Then stop feeding.
Ripening and harvesting dates
When does the fruit ripen and when can it be harvested? The cucumber ripens quickly; the fruits begin to be collected 1.5–2 months after planting. If small cracks appear on them, from which liquid oozes, then they can be torn off.
Fruiting continues until the end of September and ends with the onset of frost. From one bush, 18–20 fruits weighing from 1 to 3 kg are collected.
Possible difficulties during cultivation
The main difficulty of growing is providing a sufficient amount of water without waterlogging the soil. Excess moisture threatens ovary rotting and bacterial diseases. Before watering the plant, lift the leaves and inspect the soil. If it is still wet, hold off on watering.
When choosing a growing method - on the ground or on a trellis - take into account the fact that mature fruits, under their own weight, are easily separated from the vines. Falling to the ground, they break and are subsequently only suitable for obtaining seeds. Despite the fact that cucumber is a heat-loving crop, it does not tolerate excessive heat well.
Therefore, when grown in a greenhouse, plants often shed their ovaries at extremely high air temperatures.
Despite the fact that cucumber is a heat-loving crop, it does not tolerate excessive heat. Therefore, when grown in a greenhouse, plants often shed their ovaries at extremely high air temperatures.
Sweet fruits with a delicate peel are a favorite delicacy of pigeons, sparrows and starlings. To scare away birds, experienced gardeners install mirror-coated turntables, wind chimes and other devices.
How to grow a variety on a plot?
Growing melon varieties in the garden is very simple. But if cooling quickly sets in in the region, then it is better to use the method of growing through seedlings and then transplanting the plants into a greenhouse.
The seeds are germinated in damp gauze, then planted in containers for seedlings. The soil chosen is fertile and loose. For better seed germination, cover with film until the first shoots appear. Then the film is removed, the containers are placed in a well-lit and warm place for further growth.
When the temperature in the room where the melons are planned to be planted reaches 22–25 degrees, and the soil warms up to at least 15 degrees, the seedlings are transplanted. In greenhouses, melons grow on a trellis, in beds in a horizontal way. 4 plants are planted per square meter.
See also
Formation, planting, growing and caring for melon in a greenhouseRead
Types and varieties of plants, appearance
Early
These types of plants are distinguished by a rapid ripening period, which takes up to 70 days. At the same time, the fruits tolerate low temperatures, high humidity and minimal amounts of sunlight.
Ethiopian
This variety is distinguished by large round-oval fruits, the taste of which is unusual and exotic without a hint of astringency. The skin of this melon is golden, covered with a fine mesh. This plant is quite unpretentious, is resistant to drought and tolerates transportation well.
Raymond
This melon variety stands out for its oblong-shaped fruits of ocher-yellow color. It is highly valued for its sweetness and exquisite taste, however, in order for the fruit to acquire its sweetness, it needs a large amount of heat. Such melons can retain their quality for a month.
Cinderella
Highly valued for its unpretentiousness, early ripening and high yield. Its fruits resemble a ball shape, covered with a light yellow peel with white cracks. Fragrant and sweet pulp of white or greenish-white hue.
Mid-season
Unlike the previous species, their ripening period is on average 80-90 days, but in hot, warm weather this period can be reduced to 70-80 days.
Collective farmer
Their spherical yellow fruits have been grown in our country for over 80 years. These melons are highly prized for their authentic melon flavor and sweetness. The main difference between this variety is its ability to ripen even under unfavorable weather conditions.
Temryuchanka
Yellow round fruits of medium size are covered with a continuous thick net. The sweet pulp has a light cream color, as can be seen in the photo of the melon, and has excellent taste. This melon retains its characteristics for 30 days after harvest.
Lada
Fragrant round fruits with a yellow mesh skin, under which there is light cream pulp. Due to its high sugar content, it is highly valued in our country.
Late
The duration of their ripening is 95-110 days, but they are highly valued for their unique taste and ability to retain their qualities for a long time.
Torpedo
The origin of the name becomes clear once you look at the elongated oblong fruits of this plant. The melon peel is a rich yellow color, covered with a white mesh. The pulp has a milky tint and is famous for its sweet honey taste with a hint of vanilla. When favorable conditions for storage are created, it is able to retain its qualities until spring.
Wintering
The yellowish skin is covered with a mesh, the white-green flesh is slightly crunchy, but tender and sweet. This melon is resistant to various diseases and tolerates transportation and storage well.
Why is the flesh orange inside?
These melons have orange flesh inside due to the high content of beta-carotene or provitamin A, which is responsible for the youth of the body, the renewal of old cells and the cleansing of blood vessels from atherosclerotic plaques. It is used to improve vision, male potency, and protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. But it is not recommended for diabetics to consume, as the pulp contains a large amount of sugar.
In addition to provitamin A, melon is rich in microelements such as:
- ascorbic acid or vitamin C;
- folic acid;
- potassium;
- silicon;
- manganese;
- iodine;
- retinol;
- iron;
- tocopherol;
- riboflavin;
- chlorophyll.
All these microelements, when consumed fresh, help cope with diseases, renew the body's cells, cleanse the walls of blood vessels and help strengthen the immune system. Since they have a sweet taste, not only adults, but also children love to eat melons. Their growing bodies require vitamins and minerals for harmonious development.
Harm and contraindications
The list of contraindications for eating melon is not too long. It is allowed in limited quantities for people with diabetes, albeit in the early stages. Torpedo melon fruits can be given from three years of age and even earlier, just try a little in small pieces.
It is not recommended to eat fruits:
- for gastritis, stomach ulcers;
- dysentery;
- with diabetes mellitus in severe forms;
- with a tendency to an allergic reaction in children;
- for bloating.
You should not eat Torpedo melon fruits with kefir or sour cream - there is a high probability of getting upset or indigestion. Also, doctors do not recommend eating Torpedo melon fruits with any alcoholic drinks or very cold water.
The inside of the melon is orange - is this normal?
The pulp of this beauty contains almost 90% water, it also contains fiber and easily digestible plant sugars. Melon is considered a dietary product, and due to its large amount of vitamins, it is considered one of the most useful melons.
ON A NOTE! The uniqueness of melon lies in the fact that all the elements in its pulp are optimally balanced.
Ascorbic and folic acids, potassium, iodine and manganese, iron and iodine, chlorophyll, retinol, tocopherol, riboflavin - the list is large, and it is clear why melon is recommended for strengthening the immune system, preventing atherosclerosis, for losing weight and improving hematopoietic processes.
For many people, who are mostly accustomed to store-bought melons, fruits with greenish-white, yellow or cream-colored flesh are considered common. But experienced gardeners know that there are varieties that have orange-colored flesh: intensely bright, yellow-orange, pale orange, orange with pink veins.
And this is absolutely normal, and the orange color only means that the pulp contains a large amount of beta-carotene - the famous provitamin A. This “fountain of youth”, “elixir of longevity” (that’s what beta-carotene is called) is one of the most strong antioxidants, reduces the risk of coronary disease and atherosclerosis. It is indispensable for improving vision, helps improve male potency and women's health, and is needed to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. It is a natural pigment that has a bright orange tint and gives all products their corresponding color. The richer and darker the shade, the more provitamin A is contained in the product, in our case, in melon pulp.
Of course, the color of the pulp primarily depends on the variety, as well as growing conditions, abundance of sun, light, heat, and watering. In Uzbekistan, which with full confidence can be called a real “melon Mecca,” melons with orange crispy flesh are affectionately called “red myaski.” It seems that these amazing fruits absorb all the warmth of this fertile land, acquiring an incredibly delicate, velvety, enveloping taste.
In the conditions of the middle zone, as well as the North-West and the Urals, gardeners also grow certain varieties of melons. Of course, they cannot compare with southern beauties, but with proper care they can please you with both the harvest and the good taste of the fruit.
Descriptions of the Assan-Bey variety type
The homeland of this interesting variety is Asia Minor, or more precisely the Turkish province of Balikesir near the Sea of Marmara. Here, to this day, a lot of land is allocated for planting melons and special storage facilities, where neatly hung fruits collect sweetness and wait their turn to go to gourmets who want to enjoy a truly summer treat in winter.
If a melon cut from a melon has a taste and consistency of pulp that is more reminiscent of a dense, low-juicy zucchini, then the ripe fruit is worthy of the attention of any connoisseur of melons. In terms of sugar content, reaching 13%, Assan Bey can compete with honey summer varieties.
The pulp of melons of this variety is distinguished by the highest taste qualities, which makes it possible to classify melons as dessert varieties. But cassaba can be consumed not only fresh. Back in the 19th century, they were used as a raw material for the production of dried melon, marmalade, candied fruits and jam.