Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Sharlyn Melon
The Sharlyn melon has a cracked skin with tan and yellow-orange coloring. Superficially resembling an elongated Cantaloupe, the Sharlyn does not possess the sweet unctuous flavor of Cantaloupes, rather a more restrained balance of sweetness
Seasons/Availability
Uzbek-Russian melons are available in summer. Look for Uzbek melons at your local farmers market.
Current Facts
Inspired by true melons from both Uzbekistan and Russian melons, the Uzbek-Russian melon was developed in an Experimental Agricultural Laboratory (EAL). Top qualities of many different melons that grow in Central Asia have been combined in this melon appropriately nicknamed the "Silk Way". United Melon Distributors, Inc. requested the development of this melon and the very first" Silk Way" was planted and harvested in 1992.
Description/Taste
The Uzbek-Russian melon is similar in appearance to the Santa Claus melon with a two-toned green rind layered in variegated pale and dark green markings. Its flesh is ivory colored with a vertical oval seed cavity. Its signature fragrance is one of its most appealing characteristics second to the sweet succulent flavor of its crisp flesh. Varying heavily in size and weight, the Uzbek-Russian melons can weigh anywhere from five to twenty pounds.
Applications
The Uzbek-Russian melon is often served fresh because of its sweetness and crunch. Pair fresh melon with lime, yogurt, berries, peanuts, seafood, avocado and ginger. Use melon in Asian or Latin preparations. Uzbek-Russian melon will keep, refrigerated, for up to a month.
Geography/History
The first Uzbek-Russian melons were planted in the United States in 1993, by United Melon Distributors, Inc. in California. Commercial production began in 1997. Like most melons, the Ubek-Russian melons are heat lovers. The most suitable growing conditions for productive yields are long hot summers in temperate climates.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Uzbek-Russian Melon. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Eat and Dust |
|
Phut, Avocado and Beansprout Salad |
| House of Annie |
|
Melon Soup |
