Shanghai Bang Melon

Shanghai Bang Melon

　　The Shanghai Bang Melon gets its name from its thin and brittle skin, which can easily crack upon slight impact when ripe. It has an elongated, oval shape that is slightly thicker in the middle, resembling an olive-shaped horse bell, hence it is also called the Horse Bell Melon. It typically weighs around 2 kilograms, with larger ones ranging from 2.5 to 3 kilograms. The rind is light green with shallow floral net patterns, thin and brittle, while the flesh is pale yellow, with bright red seeds. The melon has thick, juicy flesh and is especially sweet, fragrant, and refreshing.

Bang Melon plants are delicate and require relatively high growing conditions. For example, choose fields with good drainage and irrigation, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and after fruit setting, only light fertilizer should be applied—no concentrated or chemical fertilizers. To combat drought, water should be channeled through furrows rather than flooding. Harvesting should preferably be done in the afternoon to reduce the risk of cracking.