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Melons

Melons
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homemade melon balls

Melons come in many different varieties. The most common varieties of melons are watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe.

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Melons

Honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon are good sources of vitamin C, which helps heal wounds and cuts. Cantaloupe and watermelon are good sources of vitamin A, which promotes eye health and cell growth. Cantaloupe also has potassium which helps regulate muscle contractions, and folate which helps prevent birth defects.

How to Select Melons

Choose melons that are symmetrical in shape and heavy for their size. They should be free from cracks, bruises and soft spots. Smell may not be a good indicator that the melon is ripe and sweet.

How to Store Melons

Store uncut melons on the counter for up to 10 days or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Cut melons should be covered in an air-tight container and refrigerated for up to five days.

How to Prepare Melons

  • Add melons to a salad
  • Melons can be added to a fruit soup
  • Chop melon and add to a fresh salsa, serve with cooked chicken or chips
  • Make watermelon lemonade
  • Puree and add 100% fruit juice to make homemade ice pops
  • Make a honeydew slushy
  • Enjoy melons raw
  • Make a drink with cantaloupe and orange juice
  • Serve cubed or sliced with a fruit dip

Seasonal Availability of Melons in Nebraska

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Harvest x x x x
Market x x x x x x

Featured Recipes

Bowl of kiwi, green grapes, and honeydew melon Green Fruit Salad
Refreshing watermelon salad with spring greens Refreshing Watermelon Salad
Summer Fruit Salad Simply Summer Fruit Salad
green fruit kabobs Green Fruit Kabobs with Dip

Materials to Print

The Seasonal Produce Handouts page includes a variety of handouts, recipes, and recipe cards that are available as downloadable PDFs. You can use these resources in your educational programs.

View Seasonal Produce Handouts

Source:

  • Seasonal Produce Guide - Watermelon, SNAP-Ed Connection
  • Seasonal Produce Guide - Honeydew Melon, SNAP-Ed Connection
  • Seasonal Produce Guide - Cantaloupe, SNAP-Ed Connection
  • Nebraska Harvest Schedule, Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska

Tags:

honeydew melons nutrition seasonal produce watermelon

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Bowl of kiwi, green grapes, and honeydew melon Green Fruit Salad
Summer Fruit Salad Simply Summer Fruit Salad
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