Discover Their Origins, Benefits, and a Delicious Kitchen Experiment You’ll Love

Hey everyone!

Let’s chat about a fruit that’s as intriguing as it is sometimes annoying—Crenshaw melons. If you’ve ever been on the hunt for that perfect, sweet melon, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Today, I’m diving into the origins of Crenshaw melons, their awesome benefits, and a little tale about my recent adventures with them.

What is a Crenshaw Melon?

Crenshaw melons are a delightful mix between the Casaba and Persian melons. They’ve got this unique, sweet, slightly spicy flavor and a thick yellow-green rind. These melons originated right here in the U.S., especially in California, and have been a summer favorite for many.

Why Crenshaw Melons are Awesome

Nutritional Powerhouse: These melons aren’t just tasty; they’re loaded with vitamins A and C, perfect for your skin, vision, and immune system. Plus, they’ve got dietary fiber, so your digestion stays on point.

Hydration Hero: With their high water content, melons are great for keeping you hydrated during those scorching summer days.

Low-Calorie Snack: If you’re counting calories but still want a sweet treat, melons are your go-to. They offer natural sweetness without any guilt.

My Crenshaw Melon Saga

Now, let me tell you about my little melon adventure this year. I don’t know about you, but finding a melon that actually tastes good has been a real struggle for me. So, when I stumbled upon a perfectly formed melon at the store, I was thrilled. I crossed my fingers, hoping it would be ripe and sweet. But nope, it was tasteless.

So, I picked up this melon like three days ago, but it was still stubbornly unripe. I was this close to swearing off store-bought melons forever. But then, I had a lightbulb moment and decided to get a little creative in the kitchen. I grabbed four oranges, four tangerines, and a lime from my fruit stash, and got to work juicing the oranges and tangerines first, keeping the lime juice separate for a little later.

What You’ll Need

4 Oranges
4 Tangerines
1 Lime
1 Tasteless Crenshaw Melon
2 Tablespoons Sugar (any sugar of choice, just stay away from the little pink packets – wink, wink)

Next, I peeled that stubborn melon and chopped it up into pieces. Into the blender it went, along with the fresh citrus juice and two (2) heaping tablespoons of coconut sugar for that extra bit of sweetness. I blended everything until it was silky smooth. And then, the final touch—the addition of the lime juice and a good stir to give it a zesty kick. I excitedly retrieved a glass, some ice and poured the silky smoothness into the glass.

And let me tell you, I had to give myself a pat on the back for that one. The smoothie-like drink turned out absolutely delicious. It was so refreshing and tasty that I wondered why I ever bothered with store-bought juices. Seriously, who needs them when you can whip up something this good at home?

A Little Side Note

The only melon I’ve bought this year that had great flavor and texture was a Sugar Kiss melon back in June. It’s such a bummer to spend money on fruit that tastes like nothing, but it happens. This whole experience has got me thinking about growing my own melons in the future. There’s something so satisfying about harvesting fruit you’ve nurtured from seed to table.

Growing Your Own Melons

If you’re over tasteless store-bought melons like I am, why not try growing your own? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Choose the Right Variety: Pick a melon variety that suits your climate. Crenshaw melons love warm weather, so they’re perfect for sunny spots.

Good Soil: Make sure your soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Melons thrive in nutrient-rich conditions.

Water Wisely: While melons need plenty of water, avoid waterlogging. Mulching can help retain moisture without drowning the plants.

Pollination is Key: Melons need bees for pollination, so consider planting flowers nearby to attract these essential pollinators.

Growing your own melons can be super rewarding, and you’ll know they’re fresh and flavorful.

So, there you have it—a little dive into the world of Crenshaw melons and my latest kitchen experiment. Have you had any melon adventures this summer? Drop your stories and tips in the comments below. Happy melon munching! 🍉✨

Click here to try my Watermelon, Blueberry Lemonade.