Honeydew

The honeydew is a type of melon belonging to the Cucumis melo L. Inodorus group which includes crenshaw and casaba. It is said to be the third most popular type of melon, after the watermelon and cantaloupe. It has a smooth, white rind and sweet green flesh. When eaten, the texture is similar to a cantaloupe, and the flavor more subtle and fruity.

Culture of honeydew is virtually identical to cantaloupe. Commercial production requires ready availability of water for irrigation, and long, hot summers. Like cantaloupe, they are susceptible to fungal infections by fusarium and verticillium wilts, as well as a bacterial wilt vectored by the cucumber beetle.

Honeydew is also the sweet secretions of plant-sucking insects such as aphids and scale. Ants and wasps may eat honeydew, while honeybees often gather it, and process it into a dark, strong honey that is highly prized in Europe and Asia for its reputed medicinal value.

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