Melon

History and origin

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is technically not a fruit but a vegetable in the cucurbit family, like zucchini. Originally from Africa, it was cultivated by the Egyptians as early as 500 BC. BC, then spread to Greece and Rome, where it is eaten peppered and vinegared. Its softness is refined over the centuries. During the Renaissance, monks cultivated it for the popes in Cantaluppo, inspiring the name “Cantaloupe”. Its cultivation is developing in France, particularly in Charente, where the local variety is becoming the most popular. Today, it is a summer must-have.

Variety and cultivation

The melon, grown by seed, grows on a creeping vine and requires a warm climate and well-drained soil to ripen. Popular varieties: cantaloupe and Charentais melon. A good melon is heavy, sweet (10+ degrees Brix) and fragrant. Crop rotation requires an interval of five years.

Did you know?

The Cantaloupe melon was grown near Rome, in Cantalupo, especially for the popes. Once they came to Avignon, they took the fruit with them, to cultivate it in Cavaillon!