Produce Briefs...
Banana Flowers
Exotic banana flowers are the red-orange to deep purple, pointed, compact heads at the tip end of a forming bunch of bananas. Each bud has large outer petals that protect groups of small white flowers
Green Shishito Chile Peppers
Japanese peppers are mildly spicy and most often prepared cooked. Saute peppers in olive oil, over high heat, until they just begin to blister- serve hot, sprinkled with sea salt.
Seasons/Availability
Canary melons are available from spring time until fall with a peak season in summer.
Current Facts
The Canary melon is a non-netted Casaba type variety also known as Spanish melon, Juan Canary, Jaune des Canaries and Amarillo. It is a member of the Cucumis melo var inodoras family, referred to as winter melons, known as those that mature in late summer. The single greatest advantage, canary melons, and winter melons in general, have over summer melon varieties is that they have a long post-vine shelf-life, allowing them to be stored longer and to be shipped to markets thousands of miles away.
Description/Taste
The Canary melon is oval-shaped, with a smooth skin. When the melon is ripe, its hard rind turns bright yellow, it develops a corrugated look and a slightly waxy feel and its flesh will be pale ivory in color. The texture of the flesh is notably succulent, almost wet and semi firm, similar to a ripe pear. Within the flesh, the fruit bears a dry salmon-orange seed cavity. The melon possesses flavors both tangy and mildly sweet. Its aromatics linger with nuances of banana and pineapple and a slightly musky finish. Ideal weight for best flavor are melons weighing four to five pounds. Only choose Canary melons which are bright yellow (no green coloring on the skin) as these signal that they are mature and ready to eat. Melons harvested before maturity are considered to be of inferior quality as they will never reach the same level of true ripeness off the vine.
Applications
Canary melon pairs well with citrus, ginger, honey and other more flavorful melons. Use Canary melon in fresh preparations such as cold soups and salads. The mellow sweetness and slight tart flavors are enhanced with herbs such as basil, mint, cilantro as well as hot chiles and nuts. You can also process the melon for granitas, sorbets and popsicles, though the addition of sugar may be required to enhance its flavor. To store, keep uncut melons at room temperature until fully ripe then refrigerate up to five days. Refrigerate cut melon in a covered container for up to three days.
Geography/History
The Canary melon's given name refers to the melon's color, not the Canary Islands, though it is clearly documented that the melons were in fact, cultivated there, as the island's fertile soil and dry arid climate contribute to perfect growing conditions. Its origins though are considered to be of Persian descent. The Canary melon is not the most recognized commercial melon variety, as it has many growing deficiencies. It is susceptible to mildew, sunburn and is inherently not disease resistant, thus often crops yield damaged fruit. Similar to other winter melons, its growing season is during the summer months preferably in warm arid climates. In the United States, Canary melons are grown primarily throughout the highly productive and diverse agricultural region of San Joaquin valley.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 ex 4 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Canary Melon. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Canary Melon using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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VONS Near San Diego, California, United States About 16 days ago, 6/03/13 Spotter's comments : Canary Melons spotted at VONS. Beautifully ripe . Jia hua Fruiterer Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 29 days ago, 5/20/13 Spotter's comments : Fresh melons are available Fresh Mart Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 33 days ago, 5/17/13 Spotter's comments : Fresh Canary melons are available . coastal sunbelt Near Jessup, Maryland, United States About 133 days ago, 2/05/13 |
