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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
The Orange watermelon has a light green rind with darker green stripes running the length of the melon. Its bright orange-colored flesh has a crisp, juicy texture and a flavor which can vary from mildly sweet to super sweet depending upon variety. Like red-fleshed watermelons the orange-fleshed varieties can be seedless or contain a combination of white, brown and/or black seeds. The flesh of seedless varieties may be prone to a condition called hollow heart, in which the flesh naturally cracks and separates within the melon. Orange watermelons are round to oblong in shape and depending on variety can vary between 10 and 30 pounds in weight. Choosing a great watermelon can be difficult, look for those that are heavy for their size with a symmetrical shape.
Seasons/Availability
Orange watermelons are available in the summer.
Current Facts
A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, Orange watermelons are classified under the species, Citrullus lanatus. The Orange watermelon can also be found marketed under a variety of different names such as Orangeglo, Orange Crisp, Orange Tendersweet, Orange Krush, Orange Sunshine, Desert King, Honeyheart and OrangeGlow.
Nutritional Value
Orange-fleshed melons are high in vitamin A and C, beta-carotene, carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Comprised of ninety-two percent water, they also make an ideal healthy treat in hot weather, replenishing lost body fluids and potassium.
Applications
Orange watermelon may be substituted for Red watermelon or any other sweet melon. They are usually eaten raw, but may be grilled or seared in a hot pan, thus caramelizing its natural concentration of sugars. Use the juice of Orange watermelons in cocktails, syrups and frozen desserts. Cubed watermelon flesh pairs well in salads that contain arugula, feta or goat's cheeses, fresh herbs, citrus, olive oil, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic and onions. Use the flesh in cold soups or pickle the rind. Orange watermelon will keep up two weeks in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Some farmers in the mid-western United States say that a good indicator of a watermelons ripeness is to look for the presence of something known as "flea specks". The tiny black flecks are not from fleas but rather are a type of mold that grows on the exterior of the watermelon underside when the sugar content has reached its peak.
Geography/History
The History of the watermelon dates back thousands of years to ancient Africa where it grew wild, thriving in the tropical and subtropical regions. The iconic sweet, red and juicy fruit we think of today, is merely the tip of the iceberg. The first watermelons were most likely colorless and far less sweet than than their contemporaries we enjoy today. Early texts written by European botanists have been uncovered depicting images and descriptions of watermelons of various shapes and sizes as well as varying flesh colors of red, white, yellow and orange.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Orange Watermelon. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Cafe Liz |
|
Watermelon with Arak and Basil |
| Greg Cooks |
|
Spicy Watermelon Soup |
| Healthy Seasonal Recipes |
|
Melon Mint Salad |
| We are not Martha |
|
Grilled Watermelon Salad |
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Orange Watermelon 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.
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United Stateshttp://www.weiserfamilyfarms.com About 220 days ago, 7/14/18 Spotter's comments : Orange Watermelon spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. Very good! 
Little Italy Mercato
Tom King Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-789-4002 About 514 days ago, 9/23/17 Spotter's comments : Orange Watermelon spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Little Italy Mercato
Tom King Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-789-4002 About 535 days ago, 9/02/17 Spotter's comments : Orange Watermelon spotted at Little Italy Mercato. |
