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Monday 2 May 2016

Melon

Melons originated in the Middle East and were eaten by the Ancient Egyptians before gradually spreading across Europe towards the end of the Roman Empire.

Melons were introduced to America by early settlers, who grew honeydew and casaba melons as early as the 1600s.

King Henry IV of France (1553-1610) had a great fondness for melons, which grew in his gardens in glasshouses.


French author Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) loved melons so much, he once proposed to give to the municipal council of Cavaillon all of his present and future publications in exchange for "a life annuity of twelve melons per year."

The most expensive melon in the world is a juicy and extremely sweet orange melon called Yubari grown. They grow only in a small region of Japan, making them highly coveted. In 2008 a pair of them were bought at an auction for $23,000.

In 2013, world production of melons was 29.4 million tonnes, with China accounting for 49% of the total (14.4 million tonnes).


Eating melon can reduce stress, according to a 2009 study. Researchers found it contains an antioxidant which reduced the signs and symptoms of stress and fatigue.

A number of Native American groups in New Mexico have a tradition of growing their own kinds of melon cultivars, derived from melons originally introduced by the Spanish.

The Cantaloupe is the most popular variety of melon in North America. They are particularly beneficial to people with heart disease, as they have large of amounts of an anticoagulant known as adenosine. Cantaloupes also have high levels of potassium, which benefits those with high blood pressure.

Cantaloupe

A farmer in Zhengzhou, China achieved a world record for the most fruits grown from one stalk when he 131 melons on one stalk. The biggest weighs 15kg.

Botanically speaking, the melon is a fruit, but some kinds are often considered vegetables.

A whole melon contains around 600 calories, 100 more than a Big Mac.

Source Daily Mail

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