Melon is a popular and nutritious fruit that many people choose to cook with for their families during the summer. However, when buying melons, you may come across both straight and curved fruits. So, which one should you choose? Read on to find out the answer and learn how to select delicious melons.
Watermelon is packed with minerals
- The melon fruit contains a wide range of antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients, fats, and minerals.
- It is particularly rich in carbohydrates and vitamin A. Other beneficial substances found in melons include vitamin B5, potassium, manganese, copper, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium.
- Melons also have cooling properties to help beat the summer heat.
How to choose delicious melons
1. Consider the shape of the fruit
Melons belong to the vine family, and factors like light, temperature, and fertilization can cause them to have a slight curve.
Straight and curved melons are both available in the market. Many people prefer straight melons for their aesthetic appeal and ease of peeling, but straight melons can be artificially manipulated in terms of growth and appearance.
To ensure safety and enjoy a more delicious and sweet taste, it is recommended to choose slightly curved melons.
2. Look out for flowers at the melon’s navel
When selecting melons, you may notice some fruits with a small flower at the center, while others do not.
Some people tend to choose fruits with fresh flowers, believing that they indicate freshness. However, in natural growth, the flower at the melon’s navel wilts and falls off after about a day.
Therefore, if you come across a melon with the flower still intact, it may indicate the use of preservatives or growth stimulants. It is advisable to avoid choosing such fruits.
3. Examine the loofah stalk
Freshly picked melons will have a stalk that is still intact and hasn’t darkened. Shriveled and withered melons have been picked for too long.
4. Feel the melon skin
A fresh melon will have a slightly bumpy skin, while a melon that feels soft or has bruises may have been left for too long and is not ideal for purchase.
Pressing your hand on the melon and observing how quickly it recovers its original shape can give you an idea of its freshness. If the melon retains a dent and doesn’t bounce back immediately, it may indicate that it has wilted due to prolonged storage.
If the melon feels stiff when pressed, it may have been stung by a bee and should be avoided.
In conclusion, by considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing between straight and curved melons and ensure that you select a delicious and fresh fruit.
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