melons

Melons are members of the same family as gourds and pumpkins. Melons are considered to be a fruit, but are often used as a vegetable.

How to Choose MelonsTo select a watermelon, choose a symmetrical melon that is heavy for its size. A dull rind, dried stem and yellowish underside where it touched the ground are good indicators of ripeness. A watermelon does not continue to ripen once it is harvested.

A ripe cantaloupe will have a distinctive aroma and the blossom end should yield to gentle pressure. There should be a clean depression where the stem was attached with no remnants of
stem remaining. This indicates that the melon was kept on the vine until fully ripe.

Choose honeydew melons that are heavy for their size and are well-shaped. Ripe honeydew melons are characterized by a creamy yellow rind, light green juicy flesh, and a slightly soft blossom end.

Where are Melons Grown?Pacific offers melons seasonally from Arizona.

How to Prepare MelonsWash melons with warm soapy water, rinse well and pat dry before cutting to get rid of any impurity on the rind that might be carried from the knife blade to the flesh.

How to Store MelonsUncut melons can be stored on the countertop. Once it has been cut it needs to be refrigerated

Nutritional InformationWatermelons are fat free and high in vitamins A and C. Cantaloupes are highly concentrated with excellent levels of beta-carotene, folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and dietary fiber, and honeydews are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C.