Green-fleshed melons

The melons, generally referred to as “honeydew” types, typically have a smooth, light rind and thick, green flesh. The flesh can vary from deep green to almost white and also has a more crisp, sweet taste, without the musky flavour often associated with orange-fleshed melons. We usually use the name “sweet melon” to describe honeydews in this country.
Honeydew types have a longer shelf life and most do not slip-ripen, which makes it difficult to determine when they are properly ripe. Many muskmelons also give an indication of ripeness through smell, which honeydews don’t.
For this reason many reach the market while still immature. My wife refuses to buy them any more as the risk of a “dud” has become too high. I spoke to an overseas breeder who said this is why he refuses to breed honeydew melons which don’t slip ripen. There is another green-fleshed type which is entirely different. This is the “galia” melon, which was bred in Israel in about 1970. Many varieties have subsequently been bred out of the original galia and are referred to as galia types.
 These have a yellow or yellow/green rind, sparsely netted and usually round. The original was a little on the large size but they now come in a range of sizes. The flesh is thick and less crisp than honeydew, and although extremely sweet has a distinct, very pleasant flavour. In my opinion, it is a far superior eating to the honeydew.
Its popularity in this country is limited by the shelf life, which currently isn’t as good as other types. In countries where there’s less of a time lag between farmer and consumer they’ve become very popular. As they’re a relatively new introduction, it’s a matter of time before the problem is addressed.
We have records of melons being cultivated in Egypt by about 2500BC but no idea what types they were. In the East they grow a medium-small, oblong melon with a bright yellow rind and silvery sutures (stripes). These have a very crisp, sweet flesh with a texture not unlike cucumber, and are an acquired taste. They also have yellow, round melons with sweet white flesh and a very delicate, mild flavour.
There are many more types and potential for combinations but no great chance of change in our market requirements. – Bill Kerr ((016) 366 0616 or e-mail [email protected]).     |fw