On a sweltering summer day, nothing beats a fresh-cut melon bursting with juicy sweetness. Everyone seems to have a particular kind that they fancy. For me, the lush aroma of cantaloupe instantly transports me back to my childhood—my grandma would often slice up a platter of sunset-orange wedges, and we would bask in the sun’s rays while we savored their sweet nectar.
Maybe for you, it’s watermelon or honeydew that hits the spot, but did you know that we offer a wide, colorful array of melons that rival their iconic deliciousness? We conducted a taste test to identify the flavor and texture characteristics of every variety we carry. Read on to discover your new favorite!
Need-to-Know Melon Tips
1. Once most melons are harvested, they won’t become any sweeter. So it’s best to check for ripeness before you buy. Here are a few ways to tell if a melon is ripe: Gently press the base of the fruit (opposite the stem end). It should give slightly under pressure, which signifies that the flesh inside is supple, sweet, and ready to eat. And because heavier melons tend to be juicier, pick them up and go with the heftier options.
2. For the fullest flavor and best texture, reach for melons that are round, plump, and free of bruises, holes, or other signs of damage.
3. In general, whole melons stay fresh for a couple of days at room temperature and for about a week and a half in the refrigerator. So keep them cool to prolong their shelf life!
Red Seedless Watermelon
Appearance: Variegated green skin with ruby-red flesh.
Taste: The iconic summer fruit is ultra-refreshing thanks to its high water content and succulent, crisp texture.
Usage: Switch up your usual menu with our Watermelon Gazpacho or Watermelon Agua Fresca recipes. Perfect for hot-weather hangouts!
Honeydew
Appearance: Smooth, slightly waxy rind with pale green flesh.
Taste: Honeydew is famed for its hallmark juiciness with a mellow, lightly honeyed flavor reminiscent of apple and cucumber.
Usage: Try pairing honeydew with bright flavors like lemon, basil, and lime for a fun twist.
Cantaloupe
Appearance: Rough, ribbed exterior with coral orange flesh.
Taste: Richly aromatic with a syrupy sugar flavor and dense, decadent flesh.
Usage: Pair it with savory elements like prosciutto or cracked pepper to complement its heady sweetness.
Orange Honeydew Melon
Appearance: An heirloom hybrid of cantaloupe and honeydew with a smooth, pale green rind and vibrant orange flesh.
Taste: Imagine the aromatic sweetness of cantaloupe combined with the refreshing juiciness of traditional honeydew. The flesh is extremely creamy—nearly scoopable with a spoon.
Usage: Enjoy it chilled on a hot afternoon for an especially replenishing snack.
Dino Melon
Appearance: An extra-large melon that gets its name from its speckled white and green dinosaur-egg exterior.
Taste: Buckle up for a rollercoaster of flavor! Intense brown sugar and banana notes with an ever-so-tangy finish.
Usage: This is one of the sweetest melons around, so grab one of these if you’re looking for a better-for-you dessert swap.
Canary Melon
Appearance: Oblong shape with a smooth, vibrant yellow rind and pale-yellow flesh.
Taste: A tangier, earthier take on honeydew—the least sweet of the bunch, with notably firm flesh.
Usage: Canary melon cubes will mesh beautifully with the contrasting flavors of a fruit salad.
Santa Claus Melon
Appearance: Oblong shape with a webbed, extra-thick dark green rind that extends this melon’s shelf life by weeks or even months if stored in a cool, dry place (when picked in the fall, this melon is rumored to last through the holidays, hence its festive name!).
Taste: An exceptionally crisp, apple-like texture balanced by pure, clean sweetness.
Usage: If you’re looking for a unique melon that will appeal to a wide range of palates, look no further. This one was a resounding favorite of our team!
Golden Honeydew Melon
Appearance: A smooth, golden yellow rind with pale green flesh in an adorably small size—perfect for one person.
Taste: Envision a lighter, delicate honeydew flavor with a pillowy soft texture. To me, this melon tastes like the embodiment of a dreamy, glowy summer—evoking fuzzy, sweet contentment.
Usage: I’d happily pack this melon for a solo outing or picnic date at the park.
One in a Melon
Wherever your summertime adventures take you, bring a melon along for the ride. Shop online for our full selection and choose from quick pickup or convenient delivery right to your door.