Savor the Sweetness: Summer’s Best Melons
Introduction
Summer is the ultimate time to indulge in a variety of seasonal fruits, including the juicy, sweet and refreshing melons. These delicious fruits are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense treat that come in a wide array of varieties. Not only do they quench thirst and satisfy cravings, but they also offer a range of health benefits.
In this article, we will explore the best melons to savor during the summer season. We will discuss their nutritional value, health benefits, and tips on how to choose, store and prepare them. Though many types will be highlighted, they all have one thing in common: they’re definitely worth a try!
1. Watermelon
Starting with one of the most widely known types, we have watermelon. This melon is made up of about 92% water, making it the perfect fruit to hydrate you on hot summer days. Apart from being hydrating, watermelon is a low-calorie fruit that is high in Vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system.
Watermelon is also particularly high in antioxidants such as lycopene, which can help protect the body against certain types of cancers and heart diseases. A study has also shown that eating watermelon can help in reducing inflammation, helping people who suffer from conditions like asthma and arthritis.
When purchasing a watermelon, always remember to look for a firm and symmetrical fruit that is relatively heavy for its size. To store, keep your watermelon in a cool and dry place until it’s cut. Remember to wash the outer surface of the melon before cutting your way through.
2. Cantaloupe
Another popular type of melon is Cantaloupe, or the muskmelon. This melon is a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. The beta-carotene in Cantaloupe can help to maintain healthy skin, while also supporting a healthy immune system.
Apart from the health benefits, the Cantaloupe has a unique sweet aroma with a soft and meaty interior. When selecting a Cantaloupe, choose a firm-sized one with a sweet fruity aroma. A ripe Cantaloupe is actually meant to have some give when pressed gently. If it feels too hard, leave it for a couple more days to mature.
After purchasing, store it in a cool and dry place and keep it away from high moisture to prevent rotting.
3. Honeydew
Honeydew is another sweet and succulent melon that is perfect for the summer season. It’s a rich source of Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, and also contains beneficial amounts of copper and Vitamin B6.
Honeydew is a perfect dessert or a snack and can also be added to fresh fruit salads, ice creams, or smoothies. When choosing a ripe Honeydew, look for the one that is slightly soft, heavy, and has a sweet smell.
To properly store Honeydew, keep it in a fridge wrapped in a paper towel to absorb any moisture and prevent mould growth.
4. Crenshaw
Crenshaw is not one of the most well-known types of melons but it is definitely worth trying. Its outer shell is a mix of colors ranging from green to yellow and has a similar size to a Cantaloupe. This melon is rich in fiber, and vitamins A and C, making it an ideal dessert or snack.
When choosing a Crenshaw, it should be heavy, firm, and have a sweet smell. A ripe Crenshaw should have a little give when pressed in the stem area. If the skin is too hard, do not choose it as it has not yet matured. Store the Crenshaw in the fridge for up to 5 days.
5. Galia
Galia is a small, spherical, green and orange-colored melon that resembles a Cantaloupe. It’s rich in Vitamin C and potassium which support heart health and proper nerve function. It’s also a good source of folic acid, Vitamin A which supports healthy eyesight.
Galia has a unique aroma with a distinct sweet and tangy taste which makes it an ideal fruit to enjoy alone or in a fruit salad. When choosing a ripe Galia, pick the fruit that has a sweet scent and a texture that’s slightly soft to touch.
Store the Galia at room temperature until it’s ripe, then move it to the fridge to stop the ripening process. Remember, once cut, put some cling film over the melon and place it in the fridge so that it does not dry out fast.
6. Piel de Sapo
Piel de Sapo or the “Frog Skin” melon is a round shaped melon that has green skin with a yellow spot on the end. It’s available during the summer months in Spain and is now sold globally.
This melon has a highly nutritional profile, containing dietary fiber, potassium, Vitamin C, and other important micronutrients. It has a greenish-white exterior, a golden interior and a sweet juicy taste. When choosing one, it should be slightly soft to the touch, with a fruity aroma.
It takes about 4-5 days to ripen at room temperature. After it ripens, it should be refrigerated to preserve freshness. Piel de Sapo pairs amazingly with salty or sour dressings and is perfect for fruit salads.
7. Sharlyn
Sharlyn is an elongated, oblong-shaped melon with a yellow exterior and greenish flesh. It’s a hydrating fruit that consists of 90% water. Consuming Sharlyn in summer can help you to keep your body hydrated and refreshed.
Sharlyn is a good source of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C, which protect the body from infections and makes the skin healthy. The sweet and juicy taste can complement any summer dish or drink.
To choose the perfect one, pick the one that has a brown or yellow complexion, indicating that it’s matured. To store, keep the Sharlyn in the fridge in a container to preserve freshness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, summer’s best melons offer more than just a sweet and refreshing taste. These fruits are low in calories, high in nutrients, and are hydrating to the body, making them a perfect dessert or snack for the summer months. Each melon has its unique taste, aroma, and health benefits.
The key to selecting any type of melon is to look for the best quality, which is indicated by the texture, aroma, and size. It’s also important to be aware of the storage and preparation of each melon to keep it fresh and delicious.
So, why not take your taste buds on an adventure and savor the sweetness of one, some, or all of the summer’s best melons today?