Seasonally, melons are divided into two categories: the summer melon and the late or winter melon. Summer melons include varieties of muskmelon (which in North America are known as the cantaloupes—with their yellow-tan netted rinds) and varieties of true cantaloupe, with their smooth rinds.
What is the season for cantaloupe?
From June through August, cantaloupes are at their peak of flavor. Along with tasting great, they’re an excellent source of vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Whether you enjoy them sliced, cubed or halved, cantaloupes are a refreshing, healthy addition to salads, desserts, beverages and more.
Can you eat cantaloupe in winter?
Winter melon is an excellent source of antioxidants, dietary fiber and vitamin C. It’s hydrating and low in calories, making it a great addition to filling, satisfying recipes.
Is winter melon a melon?
What Is Winter Melon? Winter melon, scientifically called Benincasa hispida, is also commonly called ash gourd, wax gourd, white gourd, and winter gourd. It is a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), commonly referred to as cucurbits, which includes cucumbers, melons, zucchini, pumpkins, and other squash.
Are there any winter melons?
The winter melon is a large fruit that grows on trailing vines. People call the melon ash gourd because when it’s ripe, it has an ashy appearance. Contrary to its name, the winter melon grows during the summer for late summer or early fall harvest.
Are melons a winter fruit?
Honeydew, casaba and Cavaillon melons are classed as winter melons because they ripen more slowly than other melons and are usually not ready until late fall. After harvest, they even continue to ripen in storage. Choose. Honeydews should have a smooth, evenly yellow rind that is slightly green at the stem end.
What are winter fruits?
Fruits to Eat During the Winter
Clementine’s, mandarins, tangerines and oranges often reach their peak during December, and grapefruit from temperate southern states comes into season by January. Kumquats, pomelos, and lemons are also harvested throughout the winter season.
Can you get cantaloupe year round?
Scoop some up now while it’s in season. Muskmelons (that is, orange cantaloupe and green honeydew) are available from July through August and sometimes as late as mid-October in warmer climates. Related to squash, watermelon and cucumbers, these fruits are savored for their juicy goodness and sweet punch of flavor.
Where does cantaloupe come from in the winter?
“For the past 15 years, winter cantaloupes have been grown in Central America and shipped by ocean vessel to the United States.”
What melons are in season?
During the months of May to September, melons are in season. While available year-round in a supermarket, melons are much more affordable during the summer season. The three most popular melons in America are cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew.
Is Honeydew a winter melon?
Honeydew, casaba, and Cavaillon melons are classed as winter melons because they ripen more slowly than other melons and are usually not ready until late fall. After harvest, they even continue to ripen in storage. Honeydews should have a smooth, evenly yellow rind that is slightly green at the stem end.
What is winter melon good for?
Winter melons, in addition to vitamin B and C, have high quantities of zinc, potassium, phosphorus, iron, dietary fiber, and other vitamins and minerals in trace amounts. These nutrients together make for a very strong dietary supplement, which is why winter melon is a widely respected plant throughout the world.
What does winter melon taste like?
Wintermelon by itself has a very mild and somewhat bland flavour when the fruit is still unripe. The taste is similar to that of cucumber – refreshing and vegetal, with a slight grass-like flavour. When aged, wintermelon loses some of its taste and becomes slightly bland but still retains its refreshing properties.
Where do winter melons grow?
Winter melons are grown in warm regions, specifically Asia and south Florida and are a variety of musk melons. One of the largest fruits ever, the winter melon is about a foot long, can weigh up to 40 pounds, and has a dark green appearance.
How do you pick a winter melon?
Choose melons that look white and crisp; do not attempt to store them as their flesh deteriorates once they has been cut.
How do you cut a winter melon?
Prepare
- Slice the skin off with a knife and discard it.
- Separate the melon into 4 equal parts, and then further into 8 parts.
- Cut off the very soft part with the seeds and discard it (it has a bad mouthfeel after cooked)
- Slice or cube each part of the melon into evenly sized pieces.
Is cantaloupe a summer fruit?
Cantaloupe: June – August. Ripe melons sound hallow when tapped. They also feel heavy for their size and they should have a slightly strong, sweet aroma to them. Cherry Season: May – August.
What fruit is in season in January?
When it comes to fruit, January is the season for citrus! Meyer lemons, regular lemons, limes, mandarin oranges, navel oranges, and Texas ruby red grapefruit are all abundant.
Which fruit is in season right now?
Fruits: Apricots, avocados, bananas, grapefruit, kiwifruit, lemons, limes, oranges, passionfruit, pineapples, and strawberries.
What are some good winter fruits?
The best winter fruits you should eat to stay healthy this season
- Grapefruit. (Getty Images)
- Pears. (Getty Images).
- Pomegranates. (Photo by Nathalie Jolie)
- Oranges. (Photo by Edgar Castrejon)
- Bananas. (Photo by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron)
- Cranberries. (Getty Images)
- Pineapple. (Photo by Hello I’m Nik)
- Persimmons. (Photo by Jerry Wang)
Which fruit is good in winter season?
Some more fruits that just missed out on our winter fruits list but would do well in your diet include guavas, pears, pomegranates, papayas and chikoos. You can enjoy these fruits plain, or a fruit salad.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.