Jul 17, 2015

Sakata Seed develops Infinite Gold melon

Sakata Seed America unveiled a new variety of cantaloupe called Infinite Gold. Bred through traditional breeding practices, Infinite Gold LSL (Long Shelf Life) melon offers long shelf life, high-yield potential and infinite flavor, according to the company.

“Infinite Gold is the next big thing in cantaloupes, where strong performance meets great fruit quality,” stated Gattis Guffey, senior melon product development manager at Sakata. “Over the past 10 years, cantaloupes have been limited to one or two of the following attributes – durability, yield or flavor. Infinite Gold delivers all three of these, which means growers and suppliers no longer have to sacrifice one for the other.”

The long shelf life characteristics of Infinite Gold help to provide growers with some flexibility in harvest timing based on weather, market prices or the availability of labor. They can be harvested in as little as two to three trips, as opposed to seven or eight for Western Shipper types. Fewer passes save money on fertilizer, use less water and require fewer people and machines, also reducing the risk of contamination and minimizing food safety hazards.

“What we have done is develop a premium melon that provides benefits at all levels of the supply chain,” said Guffey. “Not only do growers experience the benefits, but packers, shippers, foodservice distributors, processors, retailers and consumers all reap the rewards. At Sakata, we believe in Infinite Gold and we’re committed to educating all levels of the industry and the consumer about its amazing benefits.

Sakata invites PMA Foodservice attendees to come taste the Infinite Gold difference for themselves. The company will serve Infinite Gold Margaritas and appetizers made with the melon during the Networking Lounge and Education Center Happy Hour on July 24 at 3:00 p.m. in the Monterey Marriott. You can learn more on Sakata's website.