An overview of the latest Hami melon production area distribution

Hami melon, also known as snow melon, tribute melon, etc., is one of the melon varieties. Because the one produced in Hami is the most famous, it is called Hami melon. Because it tastes sweet, it also belongs to a type of honeydew melon. Hami melon is often mistakenly written as “Hami melon.” Its main production area in China is Xinjiang, and it is now widely cultivated in temperate to tropical regions around the world.

Production area distribution of Hami melon

Hami melon is widely cultivated throughout China, and the one produced in Hami is the most famous, hence the name Hami melon. In Xinjiang, except for a few high-cold zones, most areas produce Hami melon. High-quality Hami melon is produced in Shixian in southern Xinjiang, the Hami and Turpan Basins, and the Shihezi area is also quite good.

Production area environment of Hami melon

Hami melon has high requirements for the environment. It needs many natural conditions such as high summer temperatures, dry air, scarce rainfall, and long sunshine hours. It likes sufficient sunlight and a large temperature difference between day and night. During the day, it can fully carry out photosynthesis, while at night respiration consumption is relatively small, which is conducive to nutrient accumulation. It is mainly produced in Hami, Turpan, Shanshan and other places in Xinjiang with low rainfall and a large temperature difference between day and night.

Origin of the name Hami melon

Hami melon was called sweet melon, melon, etc. in ancient times, and in Uyghur it is called “Kuhong.” The origin of the name Hami melon is also said to be related to tribute. It is said that when Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty tasted this kind of melon, he asked what the melon was called. The attendant only knew that it had been presented by the Prince of Hami, so he replied that it was Hami melon. From then on, the name Hami melon spread quickly.

Although this legend about Hami melon may not be true, there is documentary evidence that the name Hami melon began during the Kangxi period. The Qing Xinjiang Huibu Zhi says: “From the beginning of Kangxi, when Hami submitted, this melon began to be presented as tribute, and it was called Hami melon.” There is also another saying that Xinjiang melons were mostly shipped to the interior from Hami, so people habitually called them Hami melon.