5 Specialty Melon Must Haves

Summer is the season for melons! Juicy and refreshing, these summer fruits offer a lot more options than the standard Honeydew and Cantaloupe. Read on to discover 5 varieties that you may not have heard of before!

Canary

Growing on plants that stand approximately 2 feet tall, with vines up to 10 feet long, the Canary melon is tangy and mildly sweet in flavor. A waxy, bright yellow rind, which its name originates from, gives way to a succulent, pale ivory flesh inside. It has a slight musky aroma, with hints of banana and pineapple. Canary melons are thought to be of Persian decent, although they do in fact grow on the Canary Islands, which offer agreeable growing conditions.

Premier Pairing: The Canary melon pairs well with honey, ginger and citrus. It does great in cold soups and salads, as well as in dishes with basil and mint.

Casaba

Easily distinguishable by its appearance, the Casaba melon has a round shape with vertical grooves, a golden yellow color, and no netting. It’s creamy white flesh, sometimes containing hints of green, has a slight sweetness with hints of cucumber and Asian pear flavors. This melon stores well and is native to present day Turkey.

Premier Pairing: Although best served raw, this melon pairs well with anything from curry and red onion, to coconut milk and salty cheeses. Use it for sauces, tarts and unique appetizers.  

 Crenshaw

Sugary sweet and juicy, the Crenshaw is a hybrid of the Casaba and Cantaloupe melons. It also has a somewhat spicy, floral flavor profile. A relatively large melon, it has an oval shape with a flattened bottom and a pointed top. A golden yellow rind reveals tender, peach colored flesh. 

Premier Pairing: The Crenshaw pairs well with fresh mozzarella, lime, almonds and white wine. Its sweetness makes it great for desserts, and it is sturdy enough to be cooked, so you can throw it on the grill.

Galia

The Galia melon is known for its signature spicy, sweet flavor. A pale green interior is covered by a yellow orange rind with tan netting. The more orange the color of the rind, the more sugar content is said to be present. Ripeness is also evident by the deepness of the orange color, as well as by a musky, tropical aroma. The Galia melon was developed by a melon breeder in Israel and is named after his daughter.

Premier Pairing: This melon is best consumed fresh. It pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors, like garlic, chili, honey, and peanuts. It is good in seafood dishes, as well as alongside soft cheeses.

Santa Claus

The Santa Claus melon boasts the shape of a football. It is mildly sweet in flavor and has very little fragrance due to its thick shell. Its thick, wrinkled rind is what gives it its name, allowing it to have a long shelf life, often lasting well until Christmas time. Varying in color between yellow and green, the riper the melon, the brighter yellow its outside will be. You can also tell the ripeness by pressing on the ends of the melon. One side will yield to gentle pressure when ripe. Native to Turkey, this melon thrives in warm climates.

Premier Pairing: The Santa Claus melon is great for smoothies, sorbets and cocktails. You can also pair it with cured meats, creamy cheeses, olive oil, cilantro and tomatoes.

As evident here, melons are as versatile in application, as they are in flavor and appearance. If you would like to try more than one, our Specialty Melon Box offers 5 different melons for you to experiment with. Tag us on social media @premierproduceone and let us know which melon is your favorite!