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.
Melon seeds uncovered at a Song dynasty archaeological site in China reveal the ancient origins and journey of this beloved fruit. Unlike modern sweet dessert melons, the ancient melons lacked sweetness and had a color suggestive of jade-green celadon ceramics from the period. This finding suggests a connection between cultural tastes and crop traits. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also demonstrates how scientists can use ancient DNA to shed light on historical questions.
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