Fruits from the melon family are some of the healthiest produce you can add to your table. The original melon originated in southern Africa. There are many varieties that have spread throughout all continents. We checked out Israel Melon and added Cucumber. Lovely combination!
Recipe
1 Israel Melon or Melon of your liking
1 Medium or Large English Cucumber
Half of one Lime to taste
Water to taste
Peel melon, remove seeds and cut into large chunks. Fill blender with melon. Chop cucumber into small chunks (you can peel or not peel). We peeled the cucumber. Add to blender.
Chill completely after blending. It's lovely and refreshing.
Here's some info on the health benefits of various melons:
Melons protect your heart, douse infllamation, reduce blood pressure, build immunity, packed with vitamins - http://www.besthealthmag.ca/eat-well/nutrition/the-health-benefits-of-melons?slide=1
Here's another amazing melon variety from Africa!
"The horned melon is primarily a good source of vitamin C, potassium and iron.
The yellowish-green coloured pigment found in the seeds and pulps of horned melon contain vitamin A (beta carotene), which helps in strengthening of the body’s immune system and it also helps repair and protect DNA, thereby slowing the ageing process.
Vitamin A also helps to maintain eye and skin health. Additional minerals that are less abundant in thorn melon are magnesium, phosphorous, calcium and sodium. Furthermore, the seeds contain a number of fatty acids including linoleic acid which is one of the omega 6 fatty acid.
It is essential for human health. Besides, the seeds have the oleic acid, also found in olive oil, that is thought to be responsible for reducing effects of blood pressure, just as olive oil.
In addition, the seeds contain some traces of vitamin E responsible for healthy skin and proper functioning of the heart as the vitamin helps to neutralise, damaging free radicals that can cause cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The vitamin further helps in formation and strengthening of muscles, nerves, and boosts formation of the red blood cells"
Israeli Melon - this is a melon popular in the North Texas area. Some information we found out about the Israel Melon is its interesting origin.
Origin:
Its initial origin of the Ogen melon is disputed. Some say it is from Israel, others contend that the melons were not actually developed there; they were grown from seed brought from Israel to Hungary or derived from a Southwest Indian melon. In Hungary, this type of melon is called a sarga dinnye. Whatever its true origin, you will certainly agree that Ogen is one of the sweetest, most aromatic melons you will ever taste.
More Links
http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/07-28-13-israeli-melons-texas-farmer-cantaloupe/
http://www.dianeseeds.com/melon-israel.html
http://www.seedaholic.com/melon-ogen.html
