Snap Melon (Chibhar): A Nutrient-Rich Treasure of Thar Desert

Snap melon (Chibhar) of Tharparkar is a fruit or vegetable of an creeper type of plant cultivated during monsoon season of summer and it gets ripped before start of winter. Snap melon holds cultural importance in Tharparkar, being a traditional fruit enjoyed by locals for generations. Its role in local diets and traditional recipes highlights the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Snap melon of Tharparkar is generally grown without any usage of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, therefore it offers a pure, natural taste that is truly distinctive. 

The snap melons of Tharparkar come in various shapes and sizes, from oval to round, each offering a unique flavor profile, quality, and vibrant colors. In India as well as Pakistan, this fruit is also know by Phut as it has a unique way of signaling its ripeness: it naturally cracks open when fully mature. This self-splitting characteristic adds to the charm and flavorsome of this indigenous melon.

Generally, snap melon doesn’t exactly explode, but it does spontaneously crack open once fully ripe, which explains why it’s called Phut in India as well as Pakistan.

Type: Fruit or Vegetable of Creeper type plant

Scientific or Latin Name: Cucumis melo var Agrestis (Plant Family: Cucurbitaceae)

Local Name: Chibhar (چڀڙ)

Name in English: Snap Melon or Wild Melon

Name in Urdu: Phut (پھٹ)

Name in Punjabi: Phut

Name in Hindi: Phut फुट

Name in Marwari (Rajasthani): Kachra

Name in Sindhi: Chibhar (چڀڙ)

Name in Bengali: Phuti

Name in Marathi: Phut

Creeper type plant with flowers of Snap Melon

Flower and Fruit of Snap Melon Plant

Unripen Snap-melon in the agricultural farm of Tharparkar

Ripen Snap melon

Small size ripen Snap-Melons

Usage of Snap-melon:  

People of Tharparkar used to eat this ripen fruit as salads, vegetable dishes, juices, jam, snacks, pickles, sauces. Slices of this fruits can also be dried for using throughout the year for making vegetables dishes or snacks. The pulp of a fresh ripen snap melon is generally light orange color. It is relatively cucumber-like and bland, but the more cracked and ripe it is, the sweeter the taste.

The pulp of a snap melon is light orange and has a texture similar to that of a cucumber, with a mild flavor. As the melon ripens and cracks open, its sweetness increases. Sometimes, pieces of snap melon are enjoyed with a bit of added sweetener, salt or spices for an extra touch of flavor.

A glass of snap melon juice mixed with jaggery or sugar is not only tasty but also very filling, making it a great way to satisfy both thirst and hunger. Plus, it helps boost your immune system, making it a refreshing and healthy choice.

Fried snacks (in local language: Kachari) of small size Snap Melons

Benefits of Snap-melon

As per nutrients elements of this fruit, these are very rich source of carbohydrates, minerals (i.e. sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, calcium, iron and others), amino-acids, vitamin C, dietary fiber, folic acids and other phytonutrients and antioxidants. There are various benefits of snap-melon and some are mentioned below;

• Rich in Nutrients: Snap melon is packed with essential nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid, which support overall health and well-being. These nutrients help improve immunity, making the body more resistant to infections and illnesses.
• Boost Liver and Kidney Health: The nutrients in snap melon are beneficial for liver and kidney health, supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. It can aid in flushing out toxins, helping these organs function more effectively.
• Organic and Chemical Free: In Tharparkar, snap melons are cultivated organically without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, ensuring a pure and natural taste. This makes snap melon a healthier choice compared to conventionally grown fruits.
• Hydration and Satiety: The high water content in snap melon makes it a great option for staying hydrated, especially in dry regions like Thar. Its juice helps in curbing thirst and hunger, making it a filling snack.
• Good for Digestion: Due to rich in dietary fiber, snap melon acts as a natural cleanser for the digestive system, supporting healthy bowel movements and preventing constipation. It can also help in managing acidity and soothing the stomach.

Nutritive Value of fresh Snap-melon (per 100g)

Carbohydrate	15.6 g
Proteins	0.37 g
Fat	1.12 g
Fiber	1.34 g
Ash	1.64 g
Energy	74 Kcal
Vitamin C	18.6 mg
Iron	0.84 mg
Calcium	0.76 mg
Phosphorus	0.088
Moisture	80.0 g

References:

1. Haldhar SM, Samadia DK, Bhargava R, Choudhary BR, Singh D. Host plant accessions determine bottom-up effect of snapmelon (Cucumis melo var. momordica) against melon fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett)). Breed Sci. 2018 Dec;68(5):499-507. doi: 10.1270/jsbbs.17065. Epub 2018 Nov 16. PMID: 30697110; PMCID: PMC6345231.
2. Madhu Goyal,Madhu Goyal and Sharma,S. K., 20103004544, English, Journal article, India, 0975-1068 0972-5938, 8, (4), New Delhi, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, (581–585), National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources, Traditional wisdom and value addition prospects of arid foods of desert region of North West India., (2009)
3. Memon, Muhammad Najeeb et al. “Nutritional Profile and Medicinal Properties of Cucumis melo var Agrestis: A Non- Conventional Vegetable.” Sindh University Research Journal 50 (2018): 115-118.
4. Hira Zulfiqar, Abdullah Ijaz Hussain, Qasim Ali, Hassaan Anwer Rathore, Iqbal Ahmed, Phenolic profile, nutritional potential and biological activities of wildly grown accessions of Cucumis melo var. Agrestis, Journal of King Saud University - Science, Volume 36, Issue 7, 2024, 103276, ISSN 1018-3647, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2024.103276.