The honeydew melon, also known as the honeymelon, is a type of muskmelon with a yellow, green, or white exterior and generally light green meat. It is similar to the cantaloupe and grows on a vine that is a member of the gourd family (just like cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash). This sweet fruit contains multiple vitamins and minerals. Read on to find out more about this lesser-known relative of the cantaloupe.
Nutritional Facts about the Honeydew Melon
The honeymelon has a high amount of vitamin C. In addition, one cup of the fruit has 8% of the daily value (DV) of potassium, 9% of the DV of B6, 4% of the DV of vitamin K, and 4% of the DV of magnesium. It also has fiber and contains antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Better than your average box of Froot Loops, eh?
Health Effects of the Honeydew Melon
Because the honeymelon has a lot of water and contains electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium, it can boost hydration. Potassium also can promote healthy blood pressure. The antioxidants Lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent you from losing your eyesight as you get older. (Isn’t it interesting that melons have the shape of eyeballs?) Vitamin C encourages skin and bone health, may cut down on inflammation, may help prevent heart disease and cancer, and assists with other body functions. This vitamin also boosts your immune system, so a dosage of the humble honeydew melon can be a welcome addition to slapping an over-the-counter pill down your throat during the cold and flu season. But beware—this fruit has about fourteen grams of sugar, or 28% of the DV. It has a moderate glycemic index rating.
Interesting Facts
Henry Wallace, secretary of agriculture and vice president under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, brought honeymelon to China in the 1940s. They go by the name Bailan melons in that country. This fruit has been cultivated in France and Algeria for a long time and was even grown in ancient Egypt and the ancient Middle East. Explorer Christopher Columbus introduced it to the American. The great French emperor and military leader Napoleon Bonaparte prized this food. It didn’t prevent him from being a power-hungry tyrant who wanted to control other countries, though.
How to Enjoy Honeydew Melon
Not sure where to find this fruit? It’s easy—it’s usually up next to watermelon and cantaloupe in the produce aisle, especially during the summer. To assess quality, make sure that it is round and heavy and has no ugly markings. It sometimes comes in a container, cubed up, with other melon pieces. The fruit can be blended up to make pops, smoothies, and even ice cream. Dice it up and hurl it into lettuce or fruit salad. And, of course, if you don’t like to cook, just eat it the easy way—all by itself!
After reading about this melon, hopefully, you now have the motivation to try it and access its many benefits. This melon provides a delicious way to start eating more fruits and vegetables and jump-start your new healthy lifestyle. Even if you dislike broccoli and kale, why not try this sweet melon and give it a shot?