MVK Exports

Gandhi Road, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh

Fresh musk melon, also known as muskmelon or sweet melon, is a fruit from the Cucumis melo species. It typically has a round to slightly flattened shape with a netted or textured rind that can vary in thickness and color, ranging from white, tan, beige, yellow, grey-green, green to orange. The rind texture varies as well, from smooth to rough or netted with raised corky patterns. Inside, the flesh is usually thick, juicy, and fine-grained, with colors including orange, pale yellow, green, or salmon depending on the variety. The flesh is sweet, fragrant, and musky with a floral and honeyed flavor profile in many types, though some varieties have milder, subtly sweet, or grassy tastes. The central cavity of the melon contains flat, tear-drop-shaped tan seeds suspended in stringy fibers.

Musk melons are prized for their sweet, aromatic, and juicy flesh, often eaten fresh on their own or used in salads, smoothies, juices, and desserts. They are a rich source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and hydration due to their high water content. In traditional Ayurvedic uses, they are valued for cooling and diuretic properties, helping hydration and detoxification.

When selecting fresh musk melon, choose fruits that emit a sweet, perfumed musky aroma, feel heavy for their size, and have a slight give near the stem scar, indicating ripeness. The fruit will also give a dull, low-pitched sound when tapped. They are typically consumed fresh but can also be cooked or used in various culinary applications.

Scientific Name: Musa acuminata (Cavendish group)

Common Names: Cavendish banana, Dwarf Cavendish, Giant Cavendish

Description:

The Cavendish banana is the most widely grown and exported banana variety in the world. It is the classic yellow banana found in supermarkets globally and is prized for its sweetness, soft texture, and appealing appearance. The fruit is long, curved, and has a creamy white interior covered by a smooth, yellow peel when ripe.

Key Characteristics:

Shape & Size: Medium to large in size, slightly curved.

Color: Green when unripe, turning bright yellow when fully ripe.

Texture: Smooth and firm flesh, softens as it ripens.

Flavor: Mildly sweet to richly sweet when fully ripe.

Nutritional Value (per 100g):

Calories: 89 kcal

Carbohydrates: 23 g

Sugars: 12 g

Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g

Potassium: 358 mg

Vitamin C, B6, and magnesium are also present in good amounts.

Growing Regions:

Predominantly grown in tropical and subtropical regions.

Major producers include India, Philippines, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica.

Export Importance: Cavendish bananas are a crucial export commodity for many countries due to their uniform ripening, resistance to bruising, and good shelf life. They are shipped green and ripened close to markets for optimal freshness.

Advantages:

High yield per plant

Uniform size and shape

Easy to transport and store

Popular global demand

Susceptible to diseases like Panama disease (Tropical Race 4), threatening large-scale monoculture plantations.

Climate-sensitive and requires proper irrigation and care.