Melons, Melons, Melons!
It’s summer, it’s hot – that means that it’s time to enjoy the juicy refreshment that melons provide!
Melons are part of the same family as cucumbers and squash, which are all members of the gourd family. They need lots of heat and sunshine to grow, and are at their best in summer, when they are sweetest and most nutrient rich. Indeed they are tasty, but they’re also great for you! Melons are low in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol. They’re a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, potassium, and a very good source of vitamin C.
How to Choose: While melons often have smooth skin, they can also be reticulated, meaning they are covered with grey, raised netting on the rind. For netted melons, like cantaloupe, choose ones that smell sweet and give slightly to pressure. Smooth-skinned melons such as honeydew do not give off their aroma until they’ve been cut open. Look for ones that are heavy for their size and give to pressure at the stem end.
How to Store: Ripe melons can be kept at room temperature for several days. Store cut melon in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in a sealed container.
How to Prepare: Slice the melon in half and scoop out the seeds with a large spoon. Peel off the tough outer skin and cut as needed. Eat it right up as is, or make some delicious!
Millions of Melons!
Okay, maybe not millions, but there are quite a few varieties, each with it’s own unique flavor and appeal. Here are just a few:
Watermelon – The epitome of summertime! Dark and light green stripped with sweet and refreshing red or pink flesh.
Cantaloupe – Floral, sweet, and juicy with orange flesh and reticulated rind.
Honeydew – Pale green flesh that is sweet and juicy with smooth green to yellow rind.
Ambrosia – A melon hybrid often confused with the cantaloupe, with pale orange flesh that is very sweet, tender, and flavorful.
Santa Claus – Also called a Christmas Melon, it is large with mottled green and yellow stripped skin (kind of a camouflage pattern) with light green flesh. Not as sweet as many other melons.
Casaba – Pale to bright yellow with deep ridges with sweet, white flesh.
Crenshaw – Yellow with pink and green tinges on the skin, feel waxy to the touch until very ripe, usually with a bit of a point at the stem end.
Canary – yellow and football shaped with light green or white flesh, sometimes tinged with pink.
With so many melons, how do you decide with is your favorite? Lake Tahoe Markets makes it easy to try them all! Is there a particular variety of melon you would like to try but have not seen yet offered at Lake Tahoe Markets? Give us a call and we will see what we can do!
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