Summer is the period when melon production is the most abundant. Many greengrocers and supermarkets are stocked with this fruit along with watermelon. But what you might not know is that there are several types of melons. One of them is the Chinese melon, a name given to two or even three types of melons.
For this reason, on this occasion, we want to tell you about them so that you know what the characteristics of each of them are and, when you see them in stores, you will be able to distinguish them from other types of melons. Shall we start?
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What is a Chinese melon?
For Chinese melon, you can find many different types. And it is that after doing a search, and investigating to be able to tell you about a single type of melon, we realized that there are at least three that receive this nickname and we really do not know which the term “most original” refers to”. So we’re talking about everything:
Chinese “yellow” melon
We start with a melon that is characterized by an elongated shape and a very intense yellow color, to the point that it can sometimes be called a golden melon. Its skin is quite thick and rough, which makes it very noticeable to the touch, especially cracks and blemishes that form on your skin. He is also given the name Hami.
This melon has an almost white flesh, and many seeds inside. As for its taste, it is rather sweet.
Green and Orange Chinese Melon
This is the one we most doubt is a “Chinese melon”. But in many places it is found with this name, although it is also more identified with the Japanese melon, or Arus. As indicated by his name, It originates from Japan and is characterized by not too thick skin, but gray or pale green in color. In turn, it has many lines in white. Aesthetically it is as if you see a mixture between melon piel de sapo and cantaloupe, but they are totally different, in addition to the fact that this line pattern is much more marked (it is as if someone had wrote about it).
As for its pulp, when you open it you might be surprised because the inside of it is orange, not white, not yellow or cream. Orange. This is the color you will find inside. And we already tell you that its taste is very, very sweet.
The Chinese melon that may be the original
Finally, we left what we consider to be a true Chinese melon, originating in Korea to India, and that, of course, it is in China that they are produced the most. This one has a shape very similar to the piel de sapo, that is to say that it is quite elongated (almost like a rugby ball or even more). But what catches the eye is not so much its shape, but the color and pattern as they are distributed.
You will see, the melon is yellow. However, it has more or less wide white stripes, which means it is not smooth, but the white parts go deep into the skin of the melon while the yellow ones stick out.
Concerning the pulp of the melon, it is clear and, be careful, because by trying it you will realize two things: on the one hand, that it is quite juicy (much more than other melons), and, on the other hand, that it is crunchy.
The latter doesn’t mean it’s like eating potatoes or an apple, but almost. The pulp is not as sweet as in other fruits of another variety, but you’ll notice how it crunches when you take a bite and chew it. But that doesn’t mean it’s hard (provided you eat it already ripe, of course).
What are the benefits of melon
Now that you have come across the three types of melon that are commonly referred to as Chinese melon, whatever it is, they all have a series of benefits for your health. And it is that in general, this seasonal fruit is very good. Because? By the following:
Because it contains water in 90% or more of its composition. This means that he barely puts on weight and hydrates a lot. Besides, for the summer it is one of the most refreshing fruits there isthat’s why many buy it and put it in water with cubes or in the refrigerator so that it is very, very fresh.
Because it has almost no fat. And the ones he has are not the bad ones, but the good ones. In fact, it has always been said that melon contains a lot of sugar and that is why you should not consume too much of it. But there are varieties, like the ones we’re talking about, that have very low sugar levels (unlike cantaloupe).
It is low in calories. That’s why you can eat more of it than other foods. And while it fills you up, it doesn’t make you feel bad or gain too much weight.
Contains many minerals, such as potassium, magnesium or phosphorus. It also contains vitamins, predominating in both vitamin A and C.
All of this that we have talked about leads to improvements in your health. For example, you will make your skin softer, brighter and healthier because of the amount of water you put in it when you eat Chinese melon, but also because it contains beta-carotene as well as antioxidants.
Another advantage is the ability to forget about constipation, because you will go much better to the toilet thanks to the fibers contained in the pulp of the fruit. Of course, this is not enough to solve your problems.
Eventually, increase your body’s defensesprevent anemia and yes feed yourself properly.
Finally, know that the melon is not only rich for people; pets can also eat it if they like it. Don’t go overboard with the portion you eat.
Now you know a little more about the Chinese melon and when you see one in a greengrocer or supermarket you will know what to expect. Do you dare to try it? Have you ever tried any of them? Leave us your comment or if you know for sure what real Chinese melon is.