Melon: The Thirst-Quenching Vegetable

Contrary to many expectations, the melon is not a fruit but a vegetable.

It belongs to the plant family of cucurbits and is thus classified as a pepo. Among melons, two species can be distinguished: the muskmelon (Cucumis melo) and the watermelon (Citrullus lanatus).

Although both are melons, they have little in common. Muskmelons are generally smaller and higher in calories due to their greater fructose content. As the name “Cucumis melo” already suggests, the muskmelon belongs to the genus Cucumis, the cucumbers. Visually, the muskmelon bears little resemblance to a cucumber, yet it is more closely related to it than to a watermelon. Both melon species, however, have their origins in Africa. 

There are countless varieties and cultivars of both watermelons and muskmelons, offering virtually unlimited diversity for enjoyment.

Rarely grown in Switzerland

The melon is especially popular in summer, as its high water content of over 90 percent makes it an effective thirst quencher on hot days. In 2023, 27,360 tonnes of muskmelons were sold in Switzerland, yet only 17 tonnes were harvested domestically. Annual per capita consumption stood at just over 3 kilograms.

The watermelon was considerably more popular. A total of 39,620 tonnes were sold in Switzerland in 2023, with almost the entire quantity coming from abroad. With an annual per capita consumption of around 4.5 kilograms, the watermelon is the fourth most popular vegetable among the Swiss population. 

The melon is therefore rarely cultivated in Switzerland and remains a niche product. Although the Swiss climate is not ideal for this southern crop, a small number of varieties are grown domestically, including the Swiss Melody variety, which was specifically bred for more northerly regions.

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