Produce Briefs...
Dragon Fruit
This grapefruit-sized fruit actually grows on a climbing cactus. Its spongy pulp is white or sometimes pinkish red, sweet and juicy with numerous tiny edible black seeds scattered throughout
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms have scallop-shaped caps that range in sizes from button to sand dollar. Their coloring varies from snow grey to pale brown. Oyster mushrooms are rather mild and sweet in flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Crenshaw melons are available during the summer months. During the winter Crenshaw melon are often imported from Baja, Mexico.
Current Facts
Considered one of the sweetest varieties in the melon family, the Crenshaw is a hybrid cross between the Casaba melon and the Persian melon. There are two types of Crenshaw melons: green and white. The white variety is the most common as it is sunburn resistant. The Crenshaw is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and a modern crossbreed of the inodorus group of melons. Melons in the inodorus group are generally larger melons, take longer to grow and have better shelf-lives than summer melon varieties. What they often lack compared to other melons is fragrance.
Description/Taste
The teardrop shaped Crenshaw melon, also spelled Cranshaw, has a yellow and green, corrugated, rough, firm rind void of netting. Its dense, tender, peach-colored flesh is sweet and slightly spicy. The melon's skin turns golden-yellow at the peak of ripeness and will have slightly waxy feel. Crenshaw melons can weigh as much as eight to ten pounds.
Applications
Crenshaw melons are full-flavored and sturdy enough to be cooked. Fresh Crenshaw can be used as a breakfast fruit and as a salad ingredient. The Crenshaw may also be used as an ingredient in cold soups and desserts. Crenshaw melons pair well with fresh mozzarella, lime, mint, almonds and white wine. The Crenshaw is similar to a Cantaloupe in color and flavor and may be substituted. Once ripe uncut Casaba melon will keep at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigerate cut up melon in a sealed container up to three days.
Geography/History
Crenshaw melons grow in temperate and warm regions throughout the Mediterranean and the Americas. These melons also grow well in desert regions in Spring and Fall months. Their parent melons are native to Turkey and Iran. Crenshaw melons are known as one of the more delicate melons, thus handling is difficult and shipping is limited.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Crenshaw Melon. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Design Sponge |
|
Melon Rumballa |
| Pinch My Salt |
|
Melon and Mozzarella Salad |
| Urban Nettle |
|
Spiced Crenshaw Melon Jam with Lime |
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Crenshaw 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.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 127 days ago, 9/24/14 Spotter's comments : Crenshaw Melon spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. 
Sigona's Farmers Market
Near Menlo Park, California, United StatesAbout 153 days ago, 8/29/14 Spotter's comments : Crenshaw Melon spotted at Sigona's Farmers Market. Safeway Near Tanglewilde, Washington, United States About 187 days ago, 7/26/14 Spotter's comments : Crenshaw Melon spotted at Safeway. hy-vee Sycamore il Near Sycamore, Illinois, United States About 209 days ago, 7/04/14 Upper Haight Farmers' Market Near San Francisco, California, United States About 491 days ago, 9/25/13 Spotter's comments : Crenshaw Melon spotted at Upper Haight Farmers' Market. Mmm... From Cipponeri Family Farms. |
