Produce Briefs...
Wasabi
Wasabi is a perennial and a member of the Cruciferae family. It is grown mainly for its underground rhizome (tuber) which produces branch-less, edible leaves above ground. A mature wasabi root is firm, cylindrical, brown and green-skinned and tapered.
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
Seasons/Availability
Charentais melons are available during the summer months. Mexico exports Charentais melons during the winter months.
Current Facts
Charentais melons, AKA French cantaloupe are a highly valued yet low production farmers market variety of cantaloupe that are often not suitable for shipping. All Cantaloupes are members of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also houses gourds, cucumbers, chayote and nearly all other melons.
Description/Taste
The Charentais is a petite-sized melon with a smooth, hard, pistachio-grey colored skin and distinct green ribbing. Its flesh is deep orange, dense, smooth and sweet similar to that of a Cantaloupe. When ripe it is highly fragrant with tropical fruit and floral notes. Its delicious flavor and powerful aroma must be appreciated at its height of maturity as it has a delicate and short shelf-life.
Applications
The Charentais melon can be used in fresh or raw preparations, both sweet and savory. It is not found to be suited well for cooking. Fresh Chanterais melon can be used as a breakfast fruit and as a salad ingredient. It makes a great addition to both drinks and desserts. Chanterais pairs well with feta and goat cheeses, almonds and hazelnuts, mint, citrus and cured pork. May be used as a substitute in recipes where cantaloupe is called for. Once ripe keep refrigerated until ready to use, always wrap cut melons in plastic to prolong their shelf life.
Geography/History
The Charentais originated in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France, circa 1920. It was developed as a refined Cantaloupe, free of natural and highly occurring blemishes and warts of its parent varieties. Though the Charentais originated in France much of the Charentais melons consumed in France are now imported from North Africa. There is limited production of Charentais melons in the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Toast Catering | san diego CA | 858.208.9422 |
| Marine Room | San Diego CA | 858-551-4676 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Charentais Melon. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Redacted Recipes |
|
Cool as a Cucumber, Melon and Tomato Salad |
| YumSugar |
|
Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Brochettes |
| Not Eating Out In New York |
|
Cucumber Melon Salad |
