Last Updated: 21 April 2007

MELONS

CANTELOPE

The melons, like the cantelope and watermelon, need no introduction. Most of you have eaten them.

The melon is plucked from the vine, taken to the kitchen, washed and sliced open, the seeds are removed, the melon is sliced, placed on a plate and served.

For lunch today, I am having half a cantelope filled with vanila ice cream with a side of blue berries. Hmm hmm good!

From what my Hein grandparents told me, watermelon was grown in the area of Bessarabia where they grew up. The Alfred Hein photo below was taken in Bessarabia/ Ukraine (Russia) by Alfred and shows that the fruit is just as popular today as it was around the turn of the 20th century in Russia.

COB MELON

melons

"melons

FOR THE PASSIONATE GROWER"

AMY GOLDMAN

Christina, nee Schweikert's Cob Melons: Christine brought the seeds of the cob melon to the USA in her apron pocket to plant in her new home Her cob melons became well known in Montana. The seeds scattered through the years.... When Amy Goldman was gathering information for her book on melons she traced the cob seeds back to two sources. One source was John Crill and the second cache of seeds from the apron pocket of Christina.

On page 116 Amy shows the cob melon and it's history which includes Christina, nee Schweikert, Hein's story.

Martha Stewart wrote the following about Amy Goldman's book: "...This book is a feast for the eyes and a serious reminder that biodiversity is admirable and necessary. Any Goldman is doing a beautiful job in one small area of this science and encourages others to do the same."

Bette Midler wrote: "Thank goodness for the heirloom seed movement, and for Amy, for showing us the way."

In the back of her book Amy gives a list of where we can purchase heirloom seeds for melons and other fruits and vegetables

If you wish to learn more about Amy Goldman and her book go to her web site:

http://www.agoldthumb.com

WATERMELONS

WATERMELONS IN RUSSIA