Japanese melons might be heading for US

A research team at Washington State University is assessing the viability of growing eight varieties of Higo Green melon, a variety traditionally unique to Japan, in the Pacific Northwest. The Higo Green offers a sweeter flesh than the cantaloupe. This year’s trials come after experiments last summer in comparing the size, texture, colour and taste of the eight varieties. Part of the project is the Matsui Seed Company, whose president, Kunihiko Matsui, is a WSU graduate seeking to introduce new Japanese varieties to the US.