Hello, I'm a Casaba Melon... And I'd Really LOVE to Meet You!

Hello, I'm a Casaba Melon, and I'd love to meet you!  No really!

I can't believe that this weekend was the very first time I'd EVER tried this juicy, marvelous fruit.  To me, the taste is somewhere between a Cantaloupe and Honey Dew, but with the perfect balance of flavor: not too sweet, not too bland.

It is also a really nice size.  Again, somewhat bigger than a cantaloupe, but not so large as to be overwhelming.

I stumbled upon Casaba melons at a local grocer, where I learned that to pick the perfect ripe melon, it should be bright yellow, and the spot where the stem connected to the melon should be slightly soft.

This melon has very quickly become a favorite, and I hope you will give it a try next time you see one.  Then come back by and let me know what you think!

If you've already tried the Casaba melon, what did you think of it, and have you used it in any recipes?

When I Googled it this morning, I found a great site called Produce Oasis, which provided the following information about my favorite new melon:

Casaba Melon

Scientific Binomial Name: Cucumis Melo 

Casaba melons may not pack the flavor found in other melons, but they can be stored longer than most.

Selection Information

Usage: Raw in fruit salads or in fruit platters. Casaba can also be carved into an attractive centerpiece. 

Selection: Good-quality Casaba melons will be fairly large and firm with a small amount of softness at the stem end. The coloring will be rich yellow with very little green on the skin. The rind will be ridged when the melon has been allowed to ripen on the vine and the skin will have a slightly waxy feel when the melon is ripe. 

Storage: Casaba melons should be stored at room temperature until fully ripe when the skin has turned bright yellow. You can refrigerate cut Casaba for up to two or three days. 

Avoid: Avoid product that is too firm, too soft, has dark blemishes on the skin or is extremely green-colored. 

Seasonal Information

Available from California and Arizona from June until October, with the peak in July. 

Product from South America is available during the winter months. The flavor can be good, but they won't be as sweet as those available in the summer months. 

Casaba Melon Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 170g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 48	Calories from Fat 0
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 15mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate 11g	4%
Dietary Fiber 2g	6%
Sugars 10g
Protein 2g
Vitamin A 0%	Vitamin C 62%
Calcium 2%	Iron 3%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Source: PMA's Labeling Facts

Casaba melons are low in Sodium, and very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. Casaba's are a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin K, Potassium and Copper, and a very good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6.