The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) launched a new variety of melon called baby melon hikapel. As the name implies, this type of melon has a mini size of less than 250 grams or about the size of an apple.
“We create melons in small sizes so that they can be practically carried anywhere,” said Prof. Budi S Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., on Thursday (25/7) during the launching of the baby hikapel melon at Grha Sabha Pramana UGM.
Budi stated that this baby hikapel melon is an innovation of the handy hikapel melon variety that has been launched in 2015 through research funded by the Production Research of Educational Fund Management Institution, the Ministry of Finance 2014-2016. In 2016, Budi started conducting research to produce hikapel melons that weigh around 250-850 gram in a smaller size. From this, baby hikapel melons were created.
With its mini size, this fruit has the same characteristics as the previous hikapel melon varieties. From the taste, this melon has a high level of sweetness and a distinctive aroma.
Baby hikapel melon also has a smooth skin surface as apples do. Meanwhile, melons generally have a rough skin surface with a distinctive pattern. Baby hikapel melon has orange flesh, different from regular melons which are typically green.
“This fruit is rich in nutrients, consisting of beta carotene compounds, vitamin C, and some minerals,” he explained.
Another advantage is that this baby hikapel melon is not contaminated by the dangerous ethrel compound and also contains fewer pesticides. Therefore, it is safe to consume.
“This melon can be packed as a souvenir and hopefully can be an icon afterward,” he added.
The launching of baby hikapel melon is attended by the Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., and several UGM officials. The launching is conducted after Budi addressed his inaugural speech as a professor in the Faculty of Biology UGM.
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/18156-ugm-luncurkan-baby-melon-hikapel
