During the summer months, melons are bountiful at local farm stands and markets in a delightful array. These versatile fruits can be enjoyed sliced as snacks, blended into refreshing drinks, tossed into salads, or even grilled to enhance their flavor. They offer an impressive variety that appeals to any palate. According to various sources, there's a remarkable diversity in melons that goes beyond the typical supermarket offerings.
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As someone who grew up during the 90s, my exposure to melons was limited to the commonly available cantaloupes and honeydews. I recall turning my nose up at the overly sweet varieties, yearning instead for something crisp and tangy. My perspective changed dramatically while traveling in Asia and Europe, where I encountered a stunning variety of melons—some with vibrant colors and others resembling pumpkins—that tantalized my taste buds with their complex flavors. Now, I am eager to explore any new melon I come across.
Given the plethora of melon varieties, it’s worth venturing beyond your grocery store’s selection. "Seek out unique finds at your local farmers market," advises Chef Thomas Trainor from the Culinary Institute of America. He encourages melons found in Asian grocery stores for more options beyond traditional watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. Chef Trainor remarks that melons can enhance both sweet and savory dishes, adding freshness and flavor, and can be enjoyed in various stages of ripeness.
What Is a Melon?
Melons thrive in warm climates and are sun-loving fruits that grow on trailing vines, as noted by Penelope Perkins-Veazie, PhD, from North Carolina State University. They require ample sunlight for photosynthesis and cool nights to retain their sweetness. All melons belong to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, sharing traits with cucumbers and squash. Their key distinguishing factors include sweetness levels and soft flesh, with sugar content in melons reaching between 8% and 16%, compared to only 3% to 4% in squashes.
Types of Melons
"Many people are unaware of the spectacular variety of melons available," explains heirloom seed preservationist Amy Goldman. Over hundreds of years, farmers and amateur breeders have developed an extensive range of melon varieties, ensuring there is something for everyone's taste.
Goldman points out that melons are divided into 16 horticultural categories, with most familiar types falling into two main groups:
- Inodorous Group: Also referred to as winter melons or casabas, these are known for their extreme sweetness but lack scent until cut. Their thick skins allow them to be stored for extended periods, making them available late summer through early fall.
- Reticulatus Group: Known as muskmelons, these fragrant varieties have a shorter shelf life but possess a robust aroma and are beloved for their sweet flavor.
Additionally, watermelons fall outside of the horticultural groups but boast a diversity not commonly seen in stores. The sweetness of melons can be gauged using the Brix scale, with readings over 11 indicating deliciousness. Below is a summary of ten popular melon varieties, both common and unique.
Cantaloupe
Origin: Persia and western Asia
Group: Reticulatus
Color: Beige-yellow skin with orange flesh
Flavor: Strong musky aroma akin to honey
Texture: Dense
Sugar Content: 10-11° Brix
Best Uses: Pair well with cured meats, black pepper, or fresh mint.
Technically, the cantaloupe is a muskmelon that leans heavily on its sweet, honey-like orange flesh. Chef Trainor suggests pairing it with salty foods or fresh herbs to elevate its flavors. A classic pairing is melon with prosciutto, while the fragrant European cantaloupe variety, charentais, shines when enjoyed simply with a touch of salt.
Honeydew
Origin: Western Africa and western Asia
Group: Inodorous
Color: Creamy yellow rind with pale green flesh
Flavor: Refreshingly sweet
Texture: Smooth
Sugar Content: 11-12° Brix
Best Uses: Pairs well with fish, salty ham, and as a base for refreshing beverages.
Honeydew is another sweet contender, offering less aroma than cantaloupe but a refreshing flavor. Its complementary pairing with spices like chili encapsulates its versatility, perfect for dishes like Mexican fruta con chile.
Watermelon
Origin: Northeastern Africa
Color: Green rind with red or yellow flesh
Flavor: Juicy and sweet
Texture: Crisp and watery
Sugar Content: 10-11° Brix
Best Uses: Grill, pair with salty cheese, or purée for drinks.
Watermelons can vary significantly, often characterized by their smooth exterior and vivid interiors. While most supermarket varieties are seedless, it’s the seeded fruits that vendors believe often hold greater sweetness. They are excellent used in summer salads, alongside salty cheeses or even compressed for cocktails.
Canary
Origin: Persia
Group: Inodorous
Color: Bright yellow with white flesh
Flavor: Tangy and sweet with tropical notes
Texture: Tender
Sugar Content: 12° Brix
Best Uses: Excellent in salads or cold soups.
The unique canary melon, often found at specialty markets, offers a delightful umami flavor on par with pear texture, making it a versatile addition to many dishes.
Galia
Origin: Israel
Group: Hybrid
Color: Beige-yellow rind with pale green flesh
Flavor: Extra sweet
Texture: Soft like honeydew
Sugar Content: 14° Brix
Best Uses: Pretty delicious alone or with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Galia melons, often smaller than traditional varieties, exhibit a smooth texture with intense sweetness, making them a luscious treat ideal for chilling.
Ivory Gaya
Origin: Japan
Group: Inodorous
Color: Ivory skin with delightful patterns
Flavor: Mildly sweet with vegetal notes
Texture: Firm with a crispy bite
Sugar Content: 11° Brix
Best Uses: Delightful in fruit salads or plain.
The ivory gaya melon, with its visually striking appearance, shines when paired with vibrant fruits or transformed into refreshing smoothies.
Hami
Origin: Northwestern China
Group: Ameri
Color: Yellow skin with light orange flesh
Flavor: Floral and subtly sweet
Texture: Crisp
Sugar Content: 11° Brix
Best Uses: Served raw or in syrup.
The Hami melon, known for its floral sweetness reminiscent of cantaloupe, is a prized delicacy within Asian markets.
Crenshaw
Origin: Turkey
Group: Inodorous
Color: Yellow-green skin with pale orange flesh
Flavor: Sweet with slight peppery notes
Texture: Thick
Sugar Content: 10° Brix
Best Uses: Versatile, perfect for grilling or in salads.
The crenshaw melon has a distinctive flavor that holds up well to cooking, inspiring chefs to explore new culinary possibilities.
Korean
Origin: Korea
Group: Makuwa
Color: Striped yellow rind
Flavor: Sweet with a hint of bitterness
Texture: Crisp
Sugar Content: 12° Brix
Best Uses: Sliced and chilled for refreshing bites.
Korean melons are celebrated for their sweetness and aroma and are best enjoyed chilled, highlighting their delicate flavor.
Santa Claus
Origin: Turkey
Group: Inodorous
Color: Yellow-green skin
Flavor: Mildly sweet with earthy undertones
Texture: Soft and spongy
Sugar Content: 9° Brix
Best Uses: Paired with a cheese board or in cold soups.
The Santa Claus melon, harvested late summer, has a long shelf life and offers a refreshing sweetness perfect for gazpacho-style dishes.
Heirloom Varieties
A plethora of heirloom melon varieties exists, which can be sought out at specialty markets or grown yourself. Goldman suggests checking out seeds at the Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving plant diversity.
The company is the world’s best Melon Seed Supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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