Sharks Fin Melon

   

I harvested this Sharks Fin Melon three years ago and it appears to be as good today as it was then. The Dr Pepper can is for scale only.

If I was to cut into the melon, do you reckon the seeds would still be usable for sowing next spring? I think its a thing of beauty and am reluctant to cut into it without a strong possibility that the seeds would be fertile.

It is lovely - I really like the patterning. Maybe you could cut a hole in the bottom to scoop the seeds out of so it wouldn't be visible after? I would have thought some would still be viable next Spring, provided they were developed enough in the first place.

Vinny, is it the only one you grew?
Just wondering because if you've kept it for 3 years without eating it, I'm wondering why you want to grow more.

It does look pretty but like veggie I was also wondering why you’ve left it so long.
I know nothing about them never seen one apart from photos.

I grew it on my old plot and only found it when I was clearing out the plot. Last year was my first year on my present plot and I never got round to harvesting the seeds.
I did think it would go soft and I would utilise the seeds for this year, but it stayed solid and I didn't have the heart to cut it open. I bought the seeds for it after watching a program where Chinese immigrants were growing them on allotments as the flesh is supposed to be similar to sharks fin for making soup....a delicacy  in China apparently.

The flesh will be way past its best now, but just wondered if it was worth butchering it for the seeds....and when?

Like the idea of cutting into bottom and scooping out seeds if there are any and I may try that.

They always make me think of that "Grow your Own " film about an allotment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ffYWrpwZ70
Great film.

EDIT - just seen your post, Vinny. Same film.

They always make me think of that "Grow your Own " film about an allotment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ffYWrpwZ70
Great film.

EDIT - just seen your post, Vinny. Same film.

That was the film Veggie. I still haven't tasted the melon, but there again I've never tasted a sharks fin to compare it with (nor would I want to)

Maybe next year Rodders!

Didn't they take a hammer or a saw to the melons to crack them open? or am I making this up?
I think I have some old seeds somewhere but don't have the enthusiasm to actually grow them.

Didn't they take a hammer or a saw to the melons to crack them open? or am I making this up?
I think I have some old seeds somewhere but don't have the enthusiasm to actually grow them.

After I bust open the bottom I would get a heck of a shock if a baby shark popped out!

After 3 years its more likely to be a whale (535 days gestation) or an African elephant (645 days)..........but I think the melon might have burst its skin by now if it was.