More than 400 years ago, the torpedo melon melon plant was brought to Russia from Central Asia. In a short time, this variety, previously widely known only in Asian countries, became popular in European lands. It was recognized not only for its excellent gastronomic properties, but also for its invaluable benefits from peel to seed.
Variety description
Torpedo is a late melon variety with a harmonious light aroma and rich taste. The fruit has an elongated shape, bright yellow color and is covered with a network of veins, the flesh is white, juicy and slightly oily. 
This variety is a great lover of heat, so in our latitudes it matures for a long time, about 90 days, and weighs no more than 5 kg, unlike its relatives in Uzbekistan, which reach 10-15 kg.
Did you know? Melon "Torpedo" - a native of Uzbekistan, this culture there is called "Mirzachul".
Nutritional value and calorie
100 grams of melon "Torpedo" contains:
- proteins - 0.63 g;
- fat - 0.25 g;
- carbohydrates - 7.72 g.
- fresh - 35.92 kcal;
- in the dried - 342 kcal.
Composition
For a unique chemical composition, this diet is appreciated both by dietitians and supporters of healthy nutrition, because it contains pectin, dietary fiber, organic acids, enzymes, and a lot of vitamins and minerals.
You will be interested to learn about the most popular varieties of melons, the secrets of growing and ways to combat the diseases and pests of melons.What vitamins and trace elements contained in the melon can be seen from the list:
- vitamins: A, groups B, C, E, PP, beta-carotene;
- trace elements: iodine, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, cobalt, fluorine;
- macronutrients: potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine.
Useful properties of "Torpedo"
The effect of the torpedo melon on the body is diverse, but the benefits far exceed the harm.
- The use of the product for 4-5 days normalizes metabolic processes and cleans the digestive tract.
- It has a mild laxative effect, so it is useful for constipation and hemorrhoids.
- Due to the high value of iron, it saturates the body with oxygen and increases hemoglobin.
- Ascorbic acid increases defenses and helps fight diseases.
- Displays excess fluid, showing a diuretic effect.
- Lowers cholesterol.
- Infusions on the peel have antidepressant and sedative properties and help relieve fatigue.
- The use of antibiotic treatment helps to remove their excess.
- With a long-term reception of the product deposited salts are removed from the joints.
- Folic acid is good for pregnant women.
- It has a general rejuvenating effect.
Whatever may be useful melon "Torpedo", and its value is manifested only under certain conditions:
- the fruit must be ripe and not infected with diseases;
- use - in moderation.
Important! After drinking melon can not drink water, milk, alcohol and dairy products for two hours.
Melon application
This variety has been famous for its unique product for many years. Its application is diverse and pursues various goals, ranging from eating and ending with help during treatment.
Treatment
Fresh and dried fruits, juice, seeds are used for medical purposes. In the composition of the pulp about 90% of the water, so it quenches thirst. Use melon and to improve the psycho-emotional state, with arrhythmias, ischemia, tuberculosis, atherosclerosis, obesity. 
She is a great helper in recuperating after surgery. From the pulp make compresses, which impose on burns, scars, wounds for their speedy healing. Juice - diuretic, choleretic and anthelmintic agent.
Seeds improve potency, they are taken for prostate diseases and sexual impotence in men. Extract from seeds is recommended for chronic coughing. They are also used in kidney disease.
Did you know? Since ancient times, melon seeds have been considered the strongest aphrodisiac for men.
Slimming
The high content of coarse fiber contributes to the excretion of toxins and harmful cholesterol, which helps in the fight against extra pounds. In Europe, purification based on melon juice is gaining popularity. It is carried out for 20 days. 
Eat juice on an empty stomach, adding any berries. Those who want to lose weight spend mono-diet, which doctors recommend not to delay more than three days, because the consequences of the diuretic effect have a negative impact. Due to the low caloric content of the fruit is often used for fasting days.
Cilantro, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, ginger, rutabaga, zucchini, lagenaria, horseradish, okra, carrots also contribute to weight loss.
Cooking
“Torpedo” is used raw, as a separate dessert or as a component of smoothies, cakes, fruit cocktails, sorbet and other sweets. From it cook marmalade, make jam and jam. The fruits of this melon culture are perfectly combined with white meat, cheese and greens in salads.
They insist on the wine and get champagne with the addition of champagne. Seeds are also valued for taste and benefits. Before use, they are washed, dried and roasted in the oven or in a frying pan. Melon rind dried and insisted on them fragrant tea. 
The flesh can also be dried and consumed both as an independent delicacy and as an addition to dessert dishes. Dried fruit is also used as a filling for baking.
Important! All value from the use of "Torpedo" can darken the allergy to this product..
Cosmetology
Variety "Torpedo" is most often used as the main component of masks for face and body. Beauty products based on pulp and juice:
- smooth out wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new ones;
- cure acne;
- increase collagen production;
- improve the complexion.
A decoction of seeds (for 1 cup of water - 1 tablespoon of ground seeds) has a rejuvenating effect on the skin, gives evenness to the complexion of the face, eliminates pigment spots. Juice-based lotions moisturize dry hair and skin, relieve nail plates from brittleness, add firmness and shine to lips. 
Harm and contraindications
Harm from use is possible in several cases:
- eating too much;
- purchase of unripe or infected fruit;
- reception with incompatible drinks;
- contraindications for some diseases and feeding babies.
Excessive consumption of melon leads to bloating, increased flatulence, colic and disruption of the stomach and intestines. The same trouble can be obtained if you eat a melon on an empty stomach. The fruit of a gourd plant is recommended to be used in between meals.
The green fruit contains carcinogens. If the skin has black spots and open cracks, there is a high probability of getting an upset gastrointestinal tract or being infected with botulism.
Nursing mothers need to avoid melons, because they have problems with digestion in a child - children under 3 years old do not have the appropriate enzymes to digest the heavy components of the fetus. 
It is contraindicated to eat "Torpedo" in the following diseases:
- diabetes;
- ulcer and gastritis;
- liver disease;
- urolithiasis disease.
Did you know? A dull sound when tapping is another sign of maturity, unlike watermelon - it should sound loud.
How to choose a ripe melon
There are several recommendations on how to choose ripened torpedo melon:
- This variety is late ripe, for this reason it is not necessary to buy fruit before the end of August or the beginning of September. The appearance of "Torpedo" on the shelves earlier than this period may indicate the presence of chemicals and hormonal stimulants;
- the veins on the yellow skin should be white, they turn green from nitrates;
- fully ripe fruit has a uniform yellow color, and brown spots indicate that it began to deteriorate;
- the flesh of the fruit should be white. The yellow stripe between the crust and the edible part indicates the use of nitrate in growing;
- the tail must be dry but durable;
- in the aroma of ripe "torpedoes" you can hear notes of honey, pear and vanilla;
- Buy melon in places of stationary sales, and not in natural markets or near highways and roads.
The ideal option is to grow the torpedo melon yourself, but when there is no such opportunity, be careful and remember the recommendations.
