Origin: Honeydew melon is believed to have originated in Middle East like all other melons. Honeydew melons particularly belong to Middle Eastern or western Asian. They have been in cultivation in the Middle East since ancient times. Honey dew melons were considered very auspicious food by the Egyptians because of the sweet, juicy flavor. Honeydew melon reached Europe in the late 15th century. These types of melons used to be grown in the glasshouses in the Europe during the winter in colder climate countries. History reveals that this fruit was one of the favorite fruit of the French emperor Napoleon.
Melon seeds of this fruit were also considered very useful and were introduced in the US by Christopher Columbus.
Scientifically: Honeydew melon is also known as Honey Melon. It belongs to the cultivar group of muskmelon. They belong to the group Cucumis melo. A Honeydew Melon is in round to slightly oval shape and is usually 15-22 cm long. The weight of the melon is usually from 1.8 to 3.6 kg. The flesh of honeydew is pale green in color and the peel ranges from green to yellow and has many seeds. This fruit grows best in semi-arid climates and is harvested based on maturity, not size.
Usage: Honeydew Melons are eaten raw or as a dessert fruit. They taste best when chilled or as a part of a fresh fruit salad. Honey dew melon can also be eaten also be with yogurt.
Honeydew melons can also be used to flavor sorbet and ice creams and are also very popular additions to smoothies. Honeydew melons contain vitamin C, B6, B12, A, E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid and Beta-carotene.They also contain calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and small amounts of dietary fiber. Honeydew melons are a source of polyphenol antioxidants, which are chemicals known to provide certain health benefits to the cardiovascular and immune system.These chemicals are also known to regulate the formation of nitric oxide, which is an effective chemical that promotes the health of the endothelium and prevention of heart attacks. Honey dew melon also help to lower the blood pressure level.
Below are some DIYs with honeydew melon:
- To have clean and clear skin, use honeydew melon toner(juice) that will hydrate your skin and removes blemishes.
- Take a tablespoon of honeydew melon juice and a tablespoon of mashed avocado.mix them together and apply on the face. Keep this pack on your face for 15-20 minutes, before rinsing it off with warm water. This makes our skin soft and supple.
- Take a tablespoon of honeydew melon juice and a tablespoon of yoghurt. Mix them together and apply on the face. Wash it off after 15 minutes. This helps in controlling sebum production.
- To nourish off really dry skin, take two tablespoons of honeydew melon juice and half banana. Mix them together into a paste and apply on the dry areas of the body. Rinse after 15 minutes.
- Take a tablespoon of blended honeydew melon and a tablespoon of gram flour, mix them together and apply on the face and body. Let it dry for 15 minutes and then rinse. This thoroughly cleanses the skin.
- Blend some honeydew melon juice with mint leaves, and freeze this mixture in ice trays. Rub these ice cubes on your skin to close open skin pores. This is also a great remedy to cleanse your pores of the dust and pollution.
- Take some watermelon juice and apply it to your scalp and hair length. Leave it on 15 minutes and then shampoo your hair.