Melon in Your Recipes and Your Health

The melon is an excellent source of vitamins, particularly provitamin A (carotene), trace elements, and fiber.Melon is a particularly refreshing fruit due to its high water content (90%). Its calorie contribution is not very high: an average of 35 to 40 calories per 100 g, depending on its sugar index, which can vary from 6 to 14%, but often sits around 10 or 12%.What is its main advantage? It is very rich in provitamin A (beta-carotene), which gives it antioxidant properties.Types of melonsCantaloupe melon: one of the most cultivated varieties and very sweet.Galia melon: melon with yellow skin, light green flesh, fragrant and sweet.Winter melon: yellow or green melon with white, yellow, or light green flesh. It is not very sweet or fragrant.Grand yellow melon: oval, with yellow skin and pink or light yellow white flesh. It is very juicy but somewhat bland.Continue reading: How to choose a ripe melonHow to buy melon at the supermarketChoose a melon whose stem is starting to detach: this means that the melon has reached its optimal ripening state. The melon should also feel heavy and smell good, particularly around the stem.To store it, keep it at room temperature if it is not ripe yet or inside the refrigerator, in the vegetable compartment, wrapped in plastic wrap, if it has reached the necessary ripeness.BenefitsMelon is an important source of vitamin C, providing about 25 mg of it per 100 g. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and healing, and it is also a good antioxidant. This fruit also contains B vitamins but in smaller amounts. And in terms of trace elements? Melon is rich in potassium, with a high rate of 300 mg per 100 g, which promotes diuresis and water elimination. Additionally, it also provides magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, etc. All varieties of melon provide these vitamins and minerals.Orange-skinned melons are also good sources of bioflavonoids and other plant pigments that help prevent certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Finally, it should be noted that melon provides fiber effective for the good functioning of the intestines.You can also read: Melon Salad with CarrotRecommended recipes with melon:Prosciutto with melonMelon CakeMelon Balls with Serrano HamChicken Breasts with Mustard and Melon