🍈 Sweet Melon 132 (Cucumis melo): A Treasure of Sweetness and Flavor

The Sweet Melon 132 is an exceptional variety of Cucumis melo, known for its high sugar content, juicy and fragrant flesh, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. With its intense aroma reminiscent of honey and flowers, it is perfect for fresh consumption, desserts, salads, and cocktails.

Although originally from warm climates, this melon can be successfully grown in Canada and Quebec with some precautions. It requires warm temperatures and good sun exposure, but its relatively short growing cycle allows for a flavorful harvest even in northern regions.

📜 Origin and History of the Sweet Melon 132

Cucumis melo has been cultivated for thousands of years, with traces found in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Sweet Melon 132 is an improved selection of old European and Asian varieties, chosen for its naturally high sugar content, silky texture, and unparalleled fragrance.

This melon was introduced and adapted to North American climates over time, allowing gardeners in Canada and Quebec to enjoy it despite shorter and cooler summers. Thanks to adapted cultivation techniques, it is now accessible to home gardeners, even in temperate regions.

🌱 Germination and Planting of the Sweet Melon 132

The Sweet Melon 132 thrives in heat, requiring well-drained soil and a sunny climate to develop properly.

📌 How to Germinate the Seeds?

1️⃣ Indoor Sowing: Start seeds 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost date in small pots filled with light potting mix.
2️⃣ Ideal Temperature: Keep the temperature at 75-82°F (24-28°C) for fast germination within 5 to 10 days.
3️⃣ Transplanting Outdoors: When seedlings have 4 to 5 true leaves and outdoor temperatures exceed 60°F (15°C), transplant them into warmed soil.
4️⃣ Spacing: Plant melons 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart to allow enough space for vine growth.

Pro Tip 🌟: Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and maintain soil warmth, promoting rapid and uniform growth.

🌿 Care and Adaptation to Canadian and Quebec Climates

🌞 Optimal Growing Conditions

🔹 Sunlight: Full sun, with at least 6 to 8 hours of light per day.
🔹 Soil: Rich, loose, and well-drained, enriched with compost for vigorous growth.

💦 Watering and Maintenance

💧 Water regularly, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
💧 Reduce watering at the end of maturation to concentrate sugars in the fruit for a sweeter taste.

🍃 Pruning and Trellising

✔️ Prune excess vines to focus the plant’s energy on fruit development.
✔️ Use a trellis or support system to keep fruits off the ground, reducing the risk of rot.

❄️ Growing in Quebec and Cooler Climates

🛡️ Grow in a greenhouse or under row covers to extend the growing season.
🌱 Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil faster in spring.

🥗 Sweet Melon 132 in the Kitchen: A Fresh and Fragrant Delight

This melon is delicious fresh, in salads, desserts, or even savory dishes. Its sweet and juicy taste makes it a perfect ingredient for light and refreshing summer recipes.

🍽️ Simple and Delicious Recipe Ideas

🥗 Fresh Melon, Feta & Mint Salad
👉 Mix melon cubes with crumbled feta, fresh mint leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.

🍖 Melon & Prosciutto Skewers
👉 Alternate melon cubes and prosciutto slices on skewers for a gourmet appetizer.

🍨 Homemade Sweet Melon Sorbet
👉 Blend melon with a little lemon juice and honey, then freeze for a light and refreshing dessert.

🍽️ Sweet Melon 132 & Marinated Shrimp Tartare

🦐 Ingredients

• 1/2 Sweet Melon 132, diced
• 200 g Nordic shrimp, peeled
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pinch of salt and pepper
• A few leaves of fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

🍽️ Instructions

1️⃣ Dice the melon into small cubes, the same size as the shrimp.
2️⃣ Mix the shrimp with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Add the melon cubes and gently toss everything together.
4️⃣ Plate the tartare using a round mold for a beautiful presentation.
5️⃣ Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro before serving chilled.

This tartare is perfect as a refreshing summer appetizer with a balance of sweetness and acidity.

🍸 Cocktails and Refreshing Drinks with Sweet Melon

🍹 Melon Mojito

🔸 2 oz white rum
🔸 1/2 sweet melon, puréed
🔸 1 tbsp cane sugar
🔸 Juice of 1 lime
🔸 Fresh mint leaves and sparkling water

👉 Mix everything with ice and enjoy a super-refreshing melon mojito.

🍸 Melon & Basil Mocktail

🔸 3.5 oz melon purée
🔸 1.5 oz sparkling water
🔸 Juice of 1/2 lemon
🔸 A few basil leaves

👉 Serve well chilled for a light and fragrant drink.

⚠️ Is Sweet Melon 132 Toxic?

🚫 Only the fruit of the melon is edible.
🚫 The leaves and stems contain compounds that may cause digestive irritation and should not be consumed.

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