Citrullus lanatus
Beautiful, very storable melon which is used as a fruity gelatine substitute.
The lemon melon with its beautiful red seeds probably comes from ancient Egypt and is still grown in Africa today. It is also found as a wild variety in western Mexico. The plant produces netted fruits weighing 3-5 kg, is very robust and grows even on poor soils. The melon is not used as a classic edible melon because it has a slightly sour, fairly neutral taste. The pulp is used as a fruity gelatine substitute and as an ingredient in jams, chutneys or in cakes. The melon is extremely storable and can be kept for up to a year.
Recipe idea from the south of France: “Melon d’Espagne Jam”
Approx. 1 kg of peeled and seeded melon, 2 cups of sugar, 1 lemon and a little ginger are mixed in a bowl and left to steep overnight. The next morning everything is boiled for 45 minutes, pureed and filled hot into glasses.
Distance: 100 x 60 cm
[Cultivation: from April; Harvest: September-October]