Quality Evaluation and Shipping Export Potential of ‘Eliteggul’ Korean Melon (Cucumis melo var. makuwa) to Singapore Using MAP Technology

Korean melons (Cucumis melo var. makuwa), which have a short shelf life and are prone to browning, face challenges when exported over long-distance via maritime shipping. However, the high firmness and low suture browning rate of the ‘Eliteggul’ cultivar suggest its potential suitability for long-distance export. This study aimed to evaluate the export suitability of ‘Eliteggul’ by comparing it to the widely grown cultivar ‘Alchankkul’. Consumer preferences were assessed based on fragrance, sweetness, overall preference, appearance, and firmness. Both cultivars were grown and harvested in a commercial greenhouse in Seongju-gun, South Korea. After being treated with modified atmosphere film, the fruits were stored at 6 °C for 1 day, transported to Singapore in a shipping container at 7.4 °C for 13 days, and distributed at 22 °C for 3 days. After 14 days of storage, analysis in Singapore showed that ‘Eliteggul’ maintained a significantly higher firmness at 12.9 ± 0.3 kg·cm² compared to ‘Alchankkul’, which showed firmness at 8.1 ± 0.4 kg·cm². Additionally, ‘Eliteggul’ exhibited less browning on the white sutures at 1.3 ± 0.1, indicating better preservation of its quality than ‘Alchankkul’, at 2.0 ± 0.3. Even at 14 + 3 days, ‘Eliteggul’ maintained a firmness of 12.8 ± 0.2 kg·cm², which was significantly higher than that of ‘Alchankkul’, which showed a firmness of 7.7 ± 0.5 kg·cm². Consumer preference surveys (n = 78) conducted in the local market revealed that customers favored the fragrance and sweetness of ‘Alchankkul’. Correspondingly, an analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from melon juice using a Twister stir bar method showed that ‘Alchankkul’ had significantly higher levels of ethyl(methylthio)acetate, ethyl propanoate, and benzyl alcohol, known to contribute to a sweet flavor. Furthermore, a thermal desorption tube VOCs test indicated that hexyl acetate and 2-methylbutyl 2-methylbutyrate were also significantly higher in ‘Alchankkul’. Despite this result, there was no significant difference in the overall preference scores between the two cultivars. This study indicates that ‘Eliteggul’, with a superior firmness, reduced browning, and high consumer acceptance, is ideal for long-distance export, offering foundational data to bridge the research gap in export-oriented melons and support the broader distribution of Korean cultivars.