At HM. Clause's most recent field day in Yuma, Arizona, the melon team showcased melons that fit into a larger trend within the industry. Picking up on cues from consumers, these new melons pack more flavor into fruit.
“The consumer response to the traditional Harper type of melon has not been very enthusiastic,” noted Bill Copes, a breeder with HM. Clause. Those melons have been bred for long shelf lives as well as a host of other traits desired by growers. But consumers are now looking for melons with more nuance, and Copes believes new varieties from HM Clause appeal to those new demands.
“The Tonga is a good variety to highlight here because it's a good alternative to what's commercially out there,” said Copes. “It has a higher flavor component and good external color development. The traditional Harper melon is very firm, can be quite sweet and has many grower advantages, but it has historically been lacking in flavor. We realize flavor is something we have to emphasize in our product line as we go forward, and the Tonga is the first melon we have that has a higher level of flavor development.”
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The Tonga is already commercially available, and HM Clause has a few other varieties in development that will follow in the flavor path the Tonga is blazing. This line of melon varieties, marketed under HM. Clause's Vine Ripe campaign, will pair the grower and shipper friendly qualities of current melons with the characteristics that consumers are increasingly calling for.
“The Tonga has a tendency to develop good external color, even during transit and shipment, and that heightens the appeal of the melon,” noted Copes. “We're achieving more desirable flavor profiles with these new melons, and I think that's a trend that will help the industry.”
You can find more about HM. Clause and their melon varieties at www.hmclause.com.
For more information:
Sierra Scott
HM. Clause
+1 530 747 3741