Citron melon

Citron melon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) is a variety of watermelon species Citrullus lanatus. Despite its name, it is not sweet but rather used in pickles and preserves, and is also known as Preserving melon, Jam melon, or Pickle melon.

Description

The Citron melon is a round or oblong fruit, similar in appearance to a watermelon. It has a hard, light green to white rind often spotted or striped with dark green. The flesh of the fruit is pale green or white, with a firm texture. Unlike the watermelon, the Citron melon is not eaten fresh due to its hard, unpalatable flesh.

Cultivation

Citron melons are grown similarly to other melon varieties. They prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. The plants are typically started from seeds and require a long growing season. The fruits are harvested when they are fully mature, typically in late summer or early fall.

Uses

The primary use of the Citron melon is in the production of preserves, pickles, and jams. The hard, white flesh of the fruit is ideal for these applications as it holds up well to cooking and has a mild flavor that readily absorbs the flavors of other ingredients. In some cultures, the Citron melon is also used in traditional medicines.

Nutritional Value

While not typically consumed for its nutritional value, the Citron melon does contain some nutrients. It is a good source of Vitamin C and contains small amounts of Vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

See Also

• Watermelon
• Melon
• Preserving