Higo Green melon
{{orphan|date=January 2025}}
{{Short description|Japanese variety of melon}}{{Not to be confused with|High Green}}{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}{{Infobox cultivar
| name = Higo Green
| species = Cucumis melo
| origin = Japan
| image =
}}
The Higo Green melon (肥後グリーンメロン, Higō Gurīn Meron) is a Japanese variety of melon known for its delicate floral flavor and sweet yet freshing flesh.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-24 |title=Nagamatsu’s Treasure Trove: Higo Green Melons |url=https://secai-marche.com/media/introducing-nagamatsu-farms-higo-green-melons-a-japanese-treasure-now-in-malaysia/#:~:text=Have%20you%20ever%20yearned%20to,seeking%20a%20more%20luxurious%20selection. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210051035/https://secai-marche.com/media/introducing-nagamatsu-farms-higo-green-melons-a-japanese-treasure-now-in-malaysia/ |archive-date=2023-12-10 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Secai Marche |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Malcolm |date=2023-04-03 |title=Bringing Japanese Melon Varieties to the US |url=https://vegetableswest.com/2023/04/03/bringing-japanese-melon-varieties-to-the-us/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Vegetables West Magazine |language=en-US}} It originated in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. It was developed by Matsui Seed Co. in the Nara Prefecture around 1989.
It is a prized fruit in Japan, often considered a luxury item due to its limited availability and high quality.{{Cite news |last=Reinke |first=Jeff |date=December 9, 2019 |title=Japan's $22K Melons |url=https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/news/21105308/japans-22k-melons |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=Food Manufacturing}}
Characteristics
Higo Green melons are typically round or oval-shaped with a dark green rind covered in a fine network of brown lines.{{cite web |title=Higo Green Melons |url=https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/melons/higo_green_23882.php |website=specialtyproduce.com}} The flesh is a pale green color and is characterized by its firm, crisp texture and high sugar content.
Cultivation
Higo Green Melons are primarily cultivated in the Kumamoto Prefecture of Japan. They are grown in greenhouses or under protective netting to ensure optimal growing conditions and to protect the fruit from pests and diseases. The cultivation process is labor-intensive, requiring careful attention to detail to produce high-quality melons.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}
Higo green melons are susceptible to fusarium.{{Cite news |date=August 3, 2017 |title=Students develop melon that is sweeter and more resistant to diseases |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/students-develop-melon-that-is-sweeter-and-more-resistant-to-diseases |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=The Straits Times}}