Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a climbing plant and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family.

Some varieties: Cantaloupe, Canary, NewQueen, Honeydew, Santa Claus, Korean, Valencia, Jade Dew, Sprite, Sharlin, Crenshaw, Autumn sweet , Snow leopard, Charentais, Galia, Hami, Honey globe, Sugar, Charentias, Hani Gold, Goddess, Huell.

Its content contains antioxidants such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids (1): 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, isovanillic acid, apigenin-7-α-glucoside, luteolin-7-o-glucoside, and quercetin-3-galactoside.

It is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium (2).

Tannins are also present in good quantity, but in the skin. Tannins are considered antioxidants, antimicrobials (3).

Melon studies

References____________________________________

(1) Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts of 12 Melon (Cucumis melo) Peel Powders Prepared from Commercial Melons.  Ganji SM, Singh H, Friedman M.  J Food Sci. 2019 Jul;84(7):1943-1948. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.14666.

(2) Analytical traceability of melon (Cucumis melo var reticulatus): proximate composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity in relation to cultivar, plant physiology state, and seasonal variability.  Maietti A, Tedeschi P, Stagno C, Bordiga M, Travaglia F, Locatelli M, Arlorio M, Brandolini V.  J Food Sci. 2012 Jun;77(6):C646-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02712.x.

(3) Characterization of Polyphenolic Compounds in Cantaloupe Melon By-Products.  Vella FM, Cautela D, Laratta B.  Foods. 2019 Jun 6;8(6). pii: E196. doi: 10.3390/foods8060196.