On the Trail of Montreal’s Melon

Did you know that a remarkable melon was once grown in Montreal? Texts dating back more than a century recount the history of the Montreal melon, a fruit with such exceptional flavor that the finest restaurants and hotels in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia eagerly sought it out. Today, few people are aware of this fruit, which once contributed to its hometown’s international reputation, especially since it mysteriously vanished overnight despite its fame. It was not until 1996 that a few lost seeds were rediscovered, allowing Quebec seed growers to revive this heirloom variety. Fascinated by this story for years, nutritionist Bernard Lavallée dedicated a book to it and now shares the most complete account to date, including information never before revealed.