The second Sunday of August is designated as Melon Day. This year’s event occurs on August 13. On this special day, we celebrate cantaloupes, galias, and all other varieties of muskmelons, particularly those pertaining to the Turkmen people. If you’re like us, you’ve probably mistaken watermelons and melons at least once in your life; however, despite belonging to the same family, these two fruits are quite distinct. The people of Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia, are particularly proud of their agricultural heritage, which includes melons, especially muskmelons. Today, they honour not only their well-kept muskmelons, but also the Turkmenbashi melon, a fine hybrid named after their first president.
The background of Melon Day
The exterior is tough, pungent, and netted, while the interior is delicate, succulent, and orange or white. Today, muskmelons, these juicy fruits that cannot be misconstrued with any other type of melon, are all the rage. We frequently group all melons into the same category, but this is an error on our part. The physical characteristics and flavour of muskmelons distinguish them from all other kinds of melon. They have typically smooth, ribbed, wrinkled, or netted exteriors with yellow or white flesh that is delicious. Cantaloupes, honeydews, and galias are three examples of muskmelons.
Melon Day originated in Turkmenistan and has cultural significance for its people. Turkmenistan, for those who are unaware, is the least populous nation in Central Asia. In addition to their gorgeous culture and heritage, they are renowned for their delicious melons. Turkmenistan is responsible for approximately 400 of the current melon varieties. They grow and cultivate muskmelons in large quantities, and for decades this has been an integral part of their history and culture.
This holiday was created by the country’s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, who is also the namesake of one of the crossbreed products. He preferred the title ‘Turkmenbashi,’ which means ‘leader of the people.’ The Turkmenbashi melon is esteemed for its aroma, flavour, and substantial size.
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DAY OF THE MELON ACTIVITIES
Eat a watermelon.
How else can you commemorate National Melon Day besides by eating delicious melons? Casaba, canaries, and honeydews are a few of the delectable options available during this holiday; remember to share them with your loved ones.
Create something using muskmelons.
Muskmelon can be consumed in numerous methods. One method is to incorporate it into desserts. You can prepare watermelon boats, fruit salads, and the traditional Chinese dish Glutinous Rice Fresh Melon and Coconut Roll. Check online to see what confection you could make with one, two, or even three muskmelons today.
Attend the event.
If you are in Turkmenistan on Melon Day, you should participate in the festivities. Multiple festivals, events, and even competitions are held to commemorate the cultural holiday. You can also take some time to investigate the city and discover its offerings.
5 Interesting Facts About Cantaloupes
The name ‘cantaloupe’ was derived from Cantalupo, Italy, which was the first location where seedlings from Armenia arrived in the 16th century.
A cantaloupe of average size contains approximately 100 calories and an abundance of vitamins.
In America, cantaloupes are the most ubiquitous melon.
While developing, cantaloupe plants produce small yellow blossoms.
When a cantaloupe is ripe, its vines merely detach from the fruit and rind, and the underside of the netting turns beige or cream.
MELON DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | August 14 | Sunday |
| 2023 | August 13 | Sunday |
| 2024 | August 11 | Sunday |
| 2025 | August 10 | Sunday |
| 2026 | August 9 | Sunday |
