Waterlogged Seeds Reveal Melons' Ancient Journey

Waterlogged seeds reveal melons' ancient journey

Melons produce many seeds, making the melon shape a traditional symbol of fertility and prosperity in Chinese culture. But the historical debate about how melons made their way to modern tables is as long and twisted as the vines they grow on.

Waterlogged Seeds Reveal Melons’ Ancient Journey

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals newly discovered aspects of melons' ancient history. Based on an analysis of the ancient DNA of seeds from a Song imperial dynasty archaeological site in southeastern China (circa 960-1279), scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have determined those ancient melons in East Asia likely arrived from South Asia, rather than being developed from wild Chinese …

Ancient waterlogged seeds trace the melon's global spread

Waterlogged melon seeds recovered from a medieval Chinese port are rewriting the story of one of the world’s most culturally significant fruits, revealing that the melons cherished during China’s Song dynasty arrived from South Asia rather than being domesticated from local wild plants — and that they likely tasted nothing like the sweet dessert melons […]