Micro melons may be small in size, but they pack a punch in terms of flavour. You may have seen them in salads, on cheese boards, or as a garnish on cocktails. However, they are not just for decorating plates. They are versatile ingredients that can add sweetness, crunch, and colour to your meals. In this blog post, we will guide you through everything you need to know about this sweet little fruit!
Want to get your hands on some of your own? You can buy our British-grown Micro Melons online here.
What are Micro Melons?
Micro Melons are the fruit of the ‘Melothria Scabra’ vine and are part of the cucumber family. They go by many other names, including – cucamelon, Mexican miniature watermelon, Mexican sour cucumber, Mexican sour gherkin, mouse melon, or pepquinos.
Harvested before they reach full maturity, they have a concentrated flavour and texture. They’re known for their watermelon-like stripes, but they have a refreshing, cucumber-like taste with a hint of lime.
Although native to Mexico and Central America, we successfully grow these fruits in our glasshouses here in the Vale of Evesham through careful monitoring and an effective mix of nutrients to give the plant exactly what it needs. The result? Incredibly juicy, flavoursome melons!
How to store them
You should store your Melons in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
How to prepare and cook Micro Melons
Micro Melons can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on the recipe and your preference. To prepare them for eating raw, you can wash them in cold water and pat them dry with a towel. For cooked melons, you can roast, grill, sauté, or pickle them. They can add a sweet and crunchy element to stir-fries, stews, soups, and sauces or be used as a topping or filling for pies, tarts, and cakes.
For the ultimate crowd-pleaser, check out this Basil, Lime Micro Melon sorbet recipe – ideal for the summer!
Micro Melons may be small in size, but they offer big opportunities for experimentation and creativity in the kitchen. By adding them to your dishes, you can enhance their flavour, texture, and appearance. Here at Westlands UK, we grow our range of produce for optimum taste and aesthetic appeal. You can buy our melons online here or find your nearest stockist here.
