Melons sweet with tastes of Central Asia

 

Immigrants from such places as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and China's Xinjiang region yearn for the melons of home. Some grow the varieties here, persevering against challenges.

Hami melon harvest at Sandstone Marketing's fields in Huron, on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. Workers cut ripe melons off the plant and place them on a slowly advancing harvest platform, where the fruits are brushed, if needed, and packed in boxes. (David Karp / For The Times / August 13, 2010)