Sprite melon
{{Short description|Melon cultivar}}
{{Infobox cultivar
|name = Sprite melon
|image = Spritemelon.JPG
|caption =
|species = Cucumis melo
|group =
|origin = Japan
}}
The sprite melon is a kind of melon, similar to honeydew, which originates from Japan.
History
The Sprite melon has been cultivated in North Carolina as a specialty crop since the 1990s. The melon has increased in popularity in recent years.{{cite news
| first = Cecil
| last = Yancey
| title = Melon an alternative for tobacco?
| url = http://southeastfarmpress.com/mag/farming_melon_alternative_tobacco/
| publisher = Southeast Farm Press
| date = 2002-06-05
| accessdate = 2008-07-26
}} It has been cultivated and developed throughout history by selective breeding into the modern melon we have today.
Properties
A sprite melon has a round shape and is typically about the size of a grapefruit. It generally ranges in weight from 1.0 to 1.5 lbs. The flesh of a sprite melon is ivory in color and firm, while the peel ranges from ivory (unripe) to yellowish (ripe). As the melon reaches optimal ripeness, horizontal brown markings will appear near the stem. Sprite melon contains seeds. The firm, juicy, sweet flesh of the sprite melon is usually eaten for dessert and tends to resemble the flavor of both pears and honeydew. However, it is much sweeter than either of these; it can often consist of 18% sugar, making it 25% to 30% sweeter than other melons.{{cite news
| first = David
| last = Bare
| title = Options: Conference to explore new crops
| newspaper = Winston-Salem Journal
| date = 2003-11-15
}} The melon is a part of the family Cucurbitaceae, grouped in with cucumbers, gourds, and pumpkins.{{Cite web|url=https://childnutrition.ncpublicschools.gov/information-resources/nutrition-education/fruits-and-vegetables/sprite_melon.pdf|title=Sprite Melons|date=1 Jul 2016|website=School Nutrition Services – Child Nutrition|access-date=2 Jul 2018}}
{{nutritionalvalue | name=Sprite melon, raw (edible parts) | kJ=150 | protein=63.3 mg | fat=0.0 g | carbs=9.6 g | sugars=9 g | fiber=333 mg | vitC_mg=42 | iron_mg=0.7 | bsodium_mg=63.3 | right=1 | source_usda=1 }}