Charentais Melon Seeds - (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis)

Charentais Melon – French Melon Adored Above all Others

A true French heirloom cantaloupe from the Poitou-Charentes region of western France, this is the melon to fall in love with, or over. Mostly smooth-skinned but can have some netting, the fruits are petite, 2 – 3 lbs and about the size of a large grapefruit – perfect for sharing! Its hard, grey-green skin has distinct vertical green ribbing protecting dense, succulent, salmon-orange flesh that is almost unbelievably sweet and aromatic. Vines are compact and well-kept, perfect for the smaller garden and do well on a trellis. 

Charentais are the treasure of the garden, marking their location with their distinctive, rich, sweet and musky aroma that lodges in your memory. Experienced growers pick the melons by their scent and telltale yellowing of the leaf nearest the fruit. Perfectly ripe, they ooze liquid from the stem when picked and must be eaten fresh for maximum enjoyment. Left on the counter in the kitchen, they perfume the house.

The aroma invites you and the taste leaves you addicted, wanting more. Moderate production and intolerance of rough handling make them perfectly suited for caring home gardeners.

History

The melon is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle Eastern region to Afghanistan. Domestication may have taken place in Asia, as ancient Chinese writings show that melons were an important crop in China at least 2,000 years ago. Cultivation in the Mediterranean region started only at the end of the Roman era.

Uses

Melons are eaten fresh. 

Growing Tip

Melon seeds dislike cold soil. It's better to wait until the soil is warm to plant the seeds.  Melons do not ripen much off the vine so it is important to pick them when they are ready. Ripe melons “slip” from the vine with light pressure. 

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