Armenian Cucumbers

A native of Africa, watermelon was supposedly a source of water for thirsty traders who began to sell the seeds in cities along the Mediterranean trade routes.

With the consumption of around 3 billion pounds annually, it’s no surprise that the watermelon is considered one of America’s favorite fruits. Available May thru September, yellow watermelon is a perfect picnic snack on a hot summer day, chilled and cut into wedges, bars, or cubes, and added to salads, or purée or juice for spritzers or aguas frescas.

For over 3,000 years, this African horned melon has been fascinating the produce world. The spiky, golden-orange shell encases a soft, succulent, seed-filled emerald green interior. Once grown only in New Zealand, Melissa’s Kiwano Melons are now grown in California as well. Consumers are drawn to these intriguing, yet versatile tropical fruits whose look easily captures attention. The spiky, orange shells of kiwano melons encase a soft, succulent bright green flesh with edible seeds.

Pepinos are often enjoyed in fruit or spinach salads or simply cut in half and served individually, topped with a sprinkling of fresh lemon or lime juice and chile powder.

The pepino once found only in Peru, is now also grown in Ecuador, New Zealand, California and other subtropical climates.

Pepino melon has a soft, edible golden skin with distinctive purple and greenish-yellow striping. The flesh of the pepino is valued for its light, pleasant scent of vanilla and notes of honey. Surprisingly, the mild flavor is a delicate combination of cantaloupe and honeydew melon combined.

Mini watermelons are the perfect individual snack serving size! Mini Watermelons are about the size of a cantaloupe or smaller. The convenient size makes them easy to handle as they fit easily into a refrigerator or ice chest.

Melissa’s Organic label reads: “Melissa’s Certified Organic Produce is free of artificial or synthetic fertilizers and full of unforgettable, great tasting flavor. Our farmers use traditional earth-friendly farming methods inspected by a nationally recognized agency to verify organic authenticity. Melissa’s Organic Produce, a choice made closer to nature.”

These miniature watermelons are sweet, crisp and contain an abundance of juice with about 88% water. They can also vary from deep pink to deep red. Watermelons add a sweet flavor to fruit salads or when used in fruit drinks. Mini watermelons are the perfect individual snack serving size!

Look for a creamy white appearance where the melon sat on the ground. This indicates ripeness. Store at room temperature for 1 week; refrigerate for two weeks.