Malings Melon Seeds

Malings Melon Seeds

　　Malings Melon Seeds are abundantly produced in Xuling, Dongxiang, Susong, Anhui. The melon flesh comes in three colors—red, yellow, and white—and tastes sweet, while the seeds are thin-shelled and aromatic. During the historic battle between Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Youliang at Poyang Lake, General Shi Liang from the region led reinforcements carrying supplies, including “pounding melons,” to the battlefield. After eating them, the soldiers’ morale soared, and even Empress Ma praised them highly. After the founding of the Ming Dynasty in Nanjing, Empress Ma herself named the pounding melon “Malings Melon,” and its seeds were designated as an imperial tribute. The general was later honored with the title of “Garden Prime Minister” by imperial decree.