USA
July 24, 2024
Not all cantaloupe is created the same. There are several different types that feature varying levels of sweetness, storability, and more.
For cantaloupe producers, finding the perfect variety that promotes growing, transporting, storing, and marketing these fruits can pose challenges. Syngenta Global Vegetable Seeds offers varieties that meet the needs and wants of growers, their customers, and the end consumer, all while helping address concerns found ‘behind the scenes.’
These varieties, known for their genetic capabilities and innovation, fall into three categories – Long Shelf Life (LSL) Harper, Extended Shelf Life (ESL), Eastern Melon, and Western Shipper.
Long Shelf-Life Harper
LSL Harper cantaloupes boast excellent field holding, harvest, shipping, and storage traits. Reduced harvest time and minimal rejection at the retail level make the LSL type the ‘workhorse’ of the industry.
These cantaloupes are characterized by the fact they do not “slip” from the vine when mature but are instead cut off the vine when harvested. LSL melons are well-suited for extended transport and storage. These features help ensure higher profit potential for growers as it provides more geographically diverse markets, making LSL Harper cantaloupes a good choice.
Syngenta Global R&D Lead for Melons and North America’s Breeding Project Lead, Rakesh Kumar remarked, “They have very, firm flesh which is really important for shipping.”
The extended shelf-life capabilities are a fan favorite. This allows growers and packers market growth opportunities while also reducing food waste due to less shrinkage in storage and shipping. However, with these benefits came challenges impacting consumption due to a change in flavor and aroma.
“We know that with some long-shelf-life melons, there are challenges that impacted not only growers, but consumers’ perceptions of the fruit because LSL’s lack aromatics, the golden straw exterior when ripe, and the ‘slip’ that cantaloupe eaters are used to,” explained Bernie Hamel, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds Value Added Chain Lead.
Innovative solutions such as Syngenta’s IDEAL Melons have been game changers by improving flavor, aromatics, fruit color, and flesh freshness in LSL melons. The University of California-Davis’ study of the melons found significantly more volatile organic compounds (aroma), remarkably higher and consistent Brix (sugars), and consistent flesh texture.
Grower Brady Mouzin, a fourth-generation operator of Mouzin Brothers Farms, has been extremely satisfied with the continuous improvement of LSL melons through the introduction of IDEAL Melon technology.
“They’re holding on to that flavor we had in the past without the shelf life and flesh softness issues. They have that strong aroma and super robust flavor we’re looking for,” Mouzin said.
Extended Shelf Life (ESL) Melons
Typically weighing 2- to 4-pounds, ESL-type cantaloupe are moderately netted. They mature to a golden color and “slip” from the vine when mature. These are often sold in supermarkets instead of local farmer’s markets.
ESL are similar to western shippers but offer the benefits of greater shelf life and more concentrated harvest. ESL melons are gaining popularity with growers who want to offer the quality of the western shipper and integrate some of the traits of the LSL types.
As technology continues to evolve, so do the ESL types of varieties that offer extended shelf life, sweet flavor profiles, firmness, and aroma – meeting the needs and wants of growers, customers, and end consumers.
Eastern Melons
With less pronounced netting and large seed cavities Eastern cantaloupe types provide a sweet orange flesh, not intended for long-distance shipping. They are a flavorful preference for local farmers markets and a ready-to-eat choice. Offering a balance of sweet flavor, great texture, and delightful aroma, Eastern Melon types were once a staple in households.
Despite these beneficial features, it can be a challenge to avoid quick spoilage which marked this particular cantaloupe type’s decline in demand.
Western Shipper
Western shippers are characterized by the fact that they “slip” from the vine when mature and have the traditional golden yellow exterior at harvest. These two traits are how you know when the melon is mature and ready to harvest. This varies greatly when compared to the LSL types that typically retain a greener cast to the shell at maturity and need to be cut from the vine.
However, Western Shippers have been virtually phased out of production and replaced with LSL types. While the quality and overall consumer experience of the Western Shipper is outstanding, they do not hold up as well in distribution channels and cost significantly more to harvest.
While the differing types of melons may have blurred lines while categorizing, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds continues to work alongside growers to identify the right varieties and types of melons to promote, leaving more room for success for growers and happier end consumers.
© 2024 Syngenta. Some or all of the varieties may be protected under one or more of the following: Plant Variety Protection, United States Plant Patents and/or Utility Patents and may not be propagated or reproduced without authorization. The Syngenta logo is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.
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