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
Korean melon season begins in mid winter.
Current Facts
The Korean melon does not have a lot of commercial exposure. It is said to be difficult to harvest and it easily suffers from sunburn. The melon, rather delicate, with little tolerance of pressure, bruises easily. In fresh markets, Korean melons are also known as yellow melon and dua gan.
Description/Taste
The Korean melon is oval shaped with deep evenly spaced white linear sutures throughout its yellow rind. Its translucent white flesh bears a trio of seed cavities that have a highly concentrated sweetness. When ripe the melon's flesh is semi-firm in texture with a mild sweet flavor similar to that of a pear. Its aroma is subtle and clean. The melon is known to be completely edible as its skin is very thin and its seeds are very small. It is highly perishable and is recommended to be eaten within one week of harvest.
Nutritional Value
Low in fat, calories and sodium, melons are cholesterol-free. Melons are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber.
Applications
Korean melons may be served chilled, with the yellow rind peeled off, and the sweet seeds and pith intact. Store melons at room temperature. Korean melon pairs well with cucumber, mint, garlic, ginger and citrus liquor. Halve melons, remove seeds and pith, then fill with fresh fruit and use as an edible serving bowl. Once cut, refrigerate in a plastic bag two to three days.
Geography/History
As its name suggests, the Korean melon is native to Asia. Though geographically it may have first been cultivated in China, it grows prolifically in Korea and Japan. In America it is found primarily in Asian markets.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Korean Melon. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Salt Shaker |
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Salsa! |
| Food Mayhem |
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Korean Melon Fruit Bowl |
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Korean 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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Fiesta Near Copperfield Northmead Village, Texas, United States About 29 days ago, 5/22/13 Spotter's comments : 2.99/lb. Jia Hua Fruiterer Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 53 days ago, 4/27/13 Spotter's comments : The most beautiful Korean melons I've ever seen. Three times larger then California. |
