The Montreal melon is an heirloom variety that was widely grown in Montreal, Canada from the late 19th century until World War II. It was derived from ancient strains brought by Jesuits in 1694 and perfected by local families. However, it declined in popularity in the 1920s as urban expansion consumed melon farms. Thought to be extinct, seeds were rediscovered in 1995 and have since been regrown by local farmers using traditional techniques, ensuring the long-term preservation of this unique variety.

1. Ark of Taste: Montreal Melons By: Andrew McNaughton