Melon Spanish Whole Each

The Spanish melon is the elongated, pale-skinned variety with a distinctive look and a flavour that is sweeter and more aromatic than a standard rockmelon. The flesh ranges from pale orange to almost white, with a delicate sweetness and a fragrance that signals ripeness from a distance.

Spanish melons are at their best from late summer through autumn when imported and domestic crops are at their sweetest. Look for them when the weather is still warm and the selection is at its broadest.

Look for melons that feel heavy for their size with a strong, sweet fragrance at the stem end. The skin should be firm with no very soft patches. A slight give when pressed at the end opposite the stem indicates ripeness.

Halve, scoop the seeds, and eat fresh with a squeeze of lime, cube into a fruit salad, or wrap with prosciutto for a simple starter. Their delicate sweetness works particularly well alongside cured meats and soft cheeses.