Japanese farmers are demonstrating their innovative spirit with the recent introduction of a remarkable fruit called the Lemon Melon.
Developed by Suntory Flowers, a division of the multinational brewing and distilling company Suntory, this fruit combines the characteristics of melons and lemons using a unique method.
The Lemon Melon has a round shape resembling a watermelon, but with a predominantly solid yellow-green surface, lacking the typical texture and darker tone of traditional melons. When cut open, it reveals a surprising white interior. What sets this fruit apart is its delightful blend of sweetness and sourness, reminiscent of lemons, making it a perfect summertime treat. The fruit starts off crisp like a pear when freshly harvested but gradually softens as it ripens.
The creation of the Lemon Melon is the result of years of experimentation by the Suntory Flowers team. They bred this fruit by crossbreeding a melon variety imported from overseas and conducting extensive research on cultivation methods and optimal harvest times. While they have been working on this project for the past five years, this is the first year that the Lemon Melon is available for sale.
Currently, the Lemon Melon is produced in limited quantities, with only five farmers in Furano, Hokkaido, cultivating approximately 3,800 fruits for the season.
Although a few supermarkets in Sapporo have managed to stock them, they come with a hefty price tag of 3,218 yen ($22.34) per fruit. If the Lemon Melon proves successful, it may eventually become a sought-after item in Japan's luxury fruit market. For now, one can only imagine the pleasure of savouring its unique combination of sweet and sour flavours.
Nutritional Value of Lemon Melon
Lemon Drop melons help enhance the immune system, decrease inflammation , and promote collagen synthesis in the skin due to their high vitamin C content.
Additionally, these melons provide vitamin B6 to facilitate the conversion of food into energy, potassium to maintain fluid balance, and fibre to support digestive tract regulation.
Lemon Melon Recipes to Try!!
Some of the recipes where you can include lemon melons are Lemondrop Melon and Mint Salad, Cucumber Melon Spritzer, Melon Mousse, Summer Fruit Salad, Lemondrop Melon Limonana Sorbet, and many more!!
