There are many types of cantaloupes that are planted globally, with Eastern- and Western Shippers, and Harpers being the types of choice that have been dominating the South African landscape the past decade or so. The shelf life of these types is seen as an advantage for growers and end users alike, including the processing/fresh cut industry. But these varieties also have negative characteristics, those being a low sugar content and a lack of an attractive aroma. It is difficult to harvest these cantaloupe types at the precise stage of ripeness which has contributed to cantaloupes becoming out of favour with consumers.
All those involved in the cantaloupe value chain have been looking for a new type and variety for many years and finally a variety from Seminis, named Flavor Time has been identified as the variety to put cantaloupes back on the shelves of supermarkets.
This variety ticks all the right boxes with its attributes of taste, shelf life, aroma, and high sugars, giving those who eat it an exceptional eating experience.
Image 1: Hugo Burger with farmer Fred du Plessis from Eikehoff Boerdery near Worcester.
The first semi-commercial trials were conducted across the Western Cape in Worcester, Vredendal and Piketberg and in the Upington-area in the Northern Cape. All the results documented were extremely positive. Fruit sizes varied from 2.5kg-5.2, with brix varying from 15-17.
Fresh cut trials were conducted to confirm if this variety was suitable for this market and it performed extremely well, with very little moisture loss while holding onto its good qualities of taste and aroma. Further confirmation of this variety’s market acceptance was obtained from reviews done by other players in the value chain.
Flavor Time Disease Package
- Fusarium 0,1 & 2
- CYSD
- Ag (Aphids)
Flavor Time has the added advantage for potential cantaloupe growers of a strong growth habit backed up by strong disease resistances. We strongly recommend growers who are currently planting cantaloupes to include Flavor Time in the growing program so as not to miss out on the benefits this variety will supply to the individual growers and the cantaloupe industry as a whole.
