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Summer of 2013, water melon radish, summer garden, canning.
Up here in the foothills of the Oregon Cascades near Eugene it is difficult to grow crops that love warm soil. Much to my surprise my green melons actually produced and will store for months. They aren't that big or sweet, but I have plans to remedy this problem, row covers that keep the heat in and also the bugs out! The last of my melons, harvested Sept 2013, I ate for breakfast yesterday, which I saved the seeds for next year. Produce that produces seeds from your garden stores genetic data regarding how to adapt and grow in it's birth environment. Seeds harvested from your garden grow better in your garden because they know what to do! Interesting yes? If you want more data on this I'll try and scrub up the documents, I can't remember exactly where I read this. It makes sense to me
Honeydew melon has light green flesh and a smooth exterior rind. by Sandi Busch
Honeydew melon makes a refreshing treat on a hot summer day, but it’s also a low-calorie and healthy choice any time you need to feed a craving for sweets. Whether enjoyed fresh or added to a fruit salad, honeydew delivers iron, B vitamins and essential nutrients.
Vitamin C
One cup of cubed honeydew provides 34 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Free radicals are the natural byproduct of normal chemical processes, but they damage cells if they’re not neutralized by an antioxidant such as vitamin C. Damaged cells become inflamed and, over time, that can result in illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. White blood cells in the immune system secrete substances to kill bacteria, but the same substances would harm the white blood cells if not, in part, for vitamin C’s antioxidant ability to neutralize the toxins. Your body also needs vitamin C for the synthesis of collagen, which is used to support blood vessels, ligaments and skin.
Potassium
Muscles, nerves, the heart and blood vessels all rely on the presence of potassium for normal functioning. Potassium is capable of carrying an electric charge that stimulates and regulates muscle contractions and communication between nerves. In this role, potassium maintains a regular heart beat and the tone of blood vessel walls. Getting enough potassium in your diet is associated with maintaining a normal blood pressure, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. One cup of cubed honeydew has 388 milligrams of potassium, which is 8 percent of the recommended daily intake.
Vitamin B-6
Like other B vitamins, vitamin B-6 functions as a coenzyme, which means it must be present for enzymes to activate chemical processes. It’s used by more than 100 enzymes, many of which metabolize protein. Vitamin B-6 must be present for the creation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep. It also converts an amino acid, homocysteine, into other beneficial substances, which is important because high levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. You’ll gain 12 percent of the recommended daily intake from 1 cup of honeydew melon.
Fiber
Honeydew melon contains soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps keep blood sugar balanced by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates. It also lowers cholesterol by carrying it out of the body. Insoluble fiber is the type of dietary fiber that keeps food moving through the digestive tract, preventing constipation and some types of gastrointestinal disease. One cup of honeydew melon has a total of 1.4 grams of fiber. Men need 38 grams daily, while women need 25 grams, so men get 4 percent of their recommended daily intake and women gain 6 percent