“This fruit is an excellent source of beta-carotene, folic acid, potassium, and vitamin C,” Dr Sinoj adds, highlighting its nutritional richness. As part of its awareness-cum-promotional campaign, KVK organised a mega harvest festival of snap melons cultivated in various parts of Alangad Grama Panchayat in February last year.

“The event, which showcased different fruit juice varieties prepared using various recipes, received an overwhelming response from the public,” recalls Subramanian.

Experts stress the importance of incorporating pulpy summer fruits into one’s diet, highlighting their abundant microfiber content, surpassing even that of watermelons, and their role in regulating body temperature.

According to Dr Narayanan Kutty, former head of the Horticulture Wing of Kerala Agricultural University in Thrissur, these fruits are exceptional thirst-quenchers, boasting 90 per cent water content and offering instant cooling effects. Notably, they are fat and carbohydrate-free, with their seeds boasting excellent digestive properties. “So one can consume as much amount of the fruit they want without any fear of gaining weight or other health concerns,” Dr Narayanan says.

In addition to Kerala, these fruits are also grown in select regions of Tamil Nadu and other North Indian districts. Mala village, situated on the southern outskirts of Thrissur district, is renowned as the epicentre of snap melon cultivation. As summer approaches, farmers from across the state converge on the Mala-Ashtamichira region, employing precision open farming techniques to cultivate the fruit in various cycles until the arrival of the monsoon.

“Over the past decade, the fruit’s popularity has surged, inspiring young farmers to grow snap melons every two weeks to maintain a steady supply. Remarkably, the plant yields fruit within just 45 days,” he says. The fruit’s popularity has soared in recent years due to rising summer temperatures. Despite its shorter shelf life compared to watermelons, an increasing number of farmers are venturing into its cultivation annually.

The majority of the fruit grown is shipped to Kochi and its surrounding areas, such as North Paravoor. The fruit is currently facing shortage as the main cultivation season has ended. “The fourth harvest is currently underway, and the supply is restricted to those farmers who planted their seeds later,” emphasises Sebastian.

Snap Melon smoothie

Ingredients

Snap Melon: 500gm (without seeds and skin)
Sugar: To taste
Coconut milk: 300ml
Sugar (Jaggery): 80gm

Method: Mix all the ingredients. Put them in a mixer jar and blend it until a thick consistency forms. Serve it chilled.

Other Smoothies

Small banana: 2
Jackfruit ice cream: 120gm
Yoghurt: 150 ml
Sugar: To taste

Caramel ice cream: 120gm
Fresh milk: 200 ml
Sugar: To taste

Snap melon salad

Ingredients

Sliced snap melon : 50gm
Feta cheese : 15gm
Snap peas : 25gm
Pumpkin seeds: 10gm
Basil leaves: 5gm
Pomegranate molasses: 10ml
Sliced green Apple: 25gm
Olive oil: 10ml
Salt to taste
White pepper powder: 5gm

Method: Arrange all the ingredients on a plate and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with some pomegranate molasses for that extra crunch.

Pottu vellari juice

Ingredients

Snap melon: 1
Sugar: As per need
Water: As per need

Method: Peel the skin off the melon and remove the seeds. Cut the fruit into small pieces. Add water and sugar as required. Serve with chunky melon pieces.

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