Are Glistering Melons Edible?

Despite being crafted with a melon slice, a glistering melon slice cannot be eaten, unlike a golden apple or golden carrot.

Why can't I eat Glistering Melons?

The Glistering Melon does not give the effects given by the Golden Apple as it cannot be eaten. It is similar to Golden Carrots and Golden Apples, since they are originally a plant mixed with a form of Gold. It is one of the few inedible food items, with the others being, Fermented Spider Eye and Sugar.

What is the point of Glistering Melons?

Glistering Melons are an item that is crafted by placing eight gold nuggets and a melon slice in the crafting interface (1 nugget before 13w23a). They are used mainly for brewing potions with the instant health effect. It can replace redstone in the brewing recipe for a mundane potion.