Organic 'Montreal Market' melon ( Cucumis melo ) from the seed company Gaia, a heritage treasure with old-fashioned aromas
The 'Montreal Market' melon , also called the Montreal melon , is an exceptional heirloom variety , known for its large size, thick green flesh and intensely aromatic flavor . This melon, whose fruits can reach 7 to 8 pounds , is distinguished by its delicate silvery net and its captivating fragrance , reminiscent of the famous French cantaloupes of the 19th century .
But what makes this melon truly unique is its fascinating history , marked by an unexpected disappearance and resurrection .
A forgotten melon, rediscovered through passion
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries , the Montreal melon was a true agricultural pride in Quebec . Grown in the Montreal region, particularly in the Hochelaga district, it was recognized for its exceptional quality and sold at very high prices on the New York and Boston markets .
However, with increasing urbanization and the industrialization of agriculture, this variety almost completely disappeared by the 1950s. For decades, it was believed that this melon was lost forever , until a group of agricultural heritage enthusiasts became interested in its history in the 1990s .
After intense research, a few precious seeds were found in a seed bank in the United States . Thanks to the meticulous work of passionate gardeners, researchers and producers , the Montreal melon was reintroduced into cultivation, allowing current generations to rediscover its exceptional taste and unique heritage .
Today, it is once again cultivated by producers concerned with preserving this Quebec horticultural heritage .
Did you know?
The Montreal melon was so renowned in its heyday that it was served in luxury hotels and fine restaurants on the American East Coast. Its cultivation required special care, with plants often placed under glass bell jars to protect them and maximize their growth .
Its recent reintroduction makes it a jewel of agricultural heritage , offering lovers of authentic flavors an extraordinary taste experience .
Spread: Trailing plant with long creeping stems
Plant height: 30 to 50 cm
Quantity per pack: ± 25 seeds
Companion plants: Tagetes, lettuce, radishes, catnip, alliums, corn, dill, sunflower, peas, oregano, nasturtium
Enemy plants: Cucumber, potato
Cultivation method
The Montreal melon needs warmth and sun to fully express its taste qualities. It prefers rich, well-drained and warm soil , with full sun exposure .
- Soak the seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours to improve germination, and lightly scarify the shell to facilitate emergence.
- Sow directly in open ground 1 to 2 weeks after the last frost , when the soil temperature exceeds 23°C .
- Or start indoors 4 weeks before planting date for a faster start.
- Sow 1cm (1/2") deep , spacing plants 60-90cm (24-36") apart and rows 150cm (60") apart.
- Mulch the feet to retain moisture and avoid direct contact of the fruit with the ground.
- Moderate watering , avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease.
Harvesting and conservation
- Harvest when the skin turns from green to yellow and the fruit easily detaches from the stem .
- Its intense fragrance is an excellent indicator of maturity .
- Keeps for up to 4 weeks in the fridge , but is best enjoyed fresh and ripe .
Ideas for use in the kitchen
- Enjoy it plain , in thin slices, to fully savor its sweet and fragrant notes .
- Add it to fruit salads , where its green flesh adds an exotic and refreshing touch .
- Pair it with prosciutto and basil for a typically Mediterranean sweet and savory combination.
- Transform it into sorbet or granita , for a light and delicate dessert.
- Add it to smoothies , where it blends wonderfully with lemon and mint.
With its unique history, its refined taste and its melting texture , the Montreal melon is much more than a simple fruit: it is a heritage to be savored and preserved !
