Have you ever tried Kiss Melons? If not, you’re in for a treat. You know what they say, there’s nothing like your first Kiss…

As a third-generation melon grower, Milas Russell knows a thing or two about how to grow the perfect melon. Milas is the co-founder of Kiss Melons, specialty melons often described as sweeter and more flavorful than a traditional cantaloupe or honeydew melon. We visited Milas in Huron, California to see if Kiss Melons live up to the hype – and we weren’t disappointed. 

What IS a Kiss Melon?

The Russell Family started growing melons in the late 1970s. Milas shares the story of how they moved away from traditional cantaloupe and honeydew, developing new varieties now known as Kiss Melons. Milas recalls, “Kiss Melons were developed about 20 years ago. We were looking for something that was different in the marketplace and started finding varieties with unique flavor profiles. Some melons were crunchy, some melons were very soft, and others had a very mellow or creamy texture.” The Russell Family planted a few of these varieties in limited quantities and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Milas recalls, “They were selling out in the store within three or four days. So, we knew we had something special.” Over time, the family worked with experts to develop and market four hybrid melons under the Kiss brand. 

Kiss Melons are the result of cross-breeding different varieties of melons. They’re not a cantaloupe or honeydew – they’re something new, different and delicious! 

The Fab Four: Introducing the Kiss Melons family

Sugar Kiss Melons

From the outside, it’s easy to mistake a Sugar Kiss melon for a cantaloupe. However, Milas claims the similarities end there. He grins mischievously and notes, “It’s a cantaloupe on steroids; sweeter, softer, and more fragrant.”

Honey Kiss Melons

The Honey Kiss is refreshingly different from its Sugar Kiss cousin. With a crisp texture and a sinfully sweet flavor reminiscent of a pear, the Honey Kiss melon is on a mission to surprise and delight with every bite. 

Summer Kiss Melons

This gorgeous green melon likes to play the field. It’s sweet, but not too sweet; not too soft, nor too crunchy. Think of Summer Kiss as the Goldilocks of melons – it’s just right. 

Oh Baby Melons

The latest addition to the family is the aptly named Oh Baby. Milas likens the flavor and texture to the popular Sugar Kiss melon. The coloring, however, is drastically different. Oh Baby’s allure is the gold exterior and a stark white flesh that contrasts beautifully with the other melons in the Kiss lineup. 

Why choose! The contrasting colors of Sugar Kiss, Oh Baby and Summer Kiss make for a marvelous fruit salad or melon bowl!

Where do Kiss Melons grow in California?

The Russell family’s specialty melons are grown in California’s Imperial Valley and throughout the western side of California’s San Joaquin Valley.

When are Kiss Melons in season?

Kiss Melons are in season from June through September. Harvest begins in June in the warmer fields of the Imperial Valley. As temperatures rise, harvest gradually moves north to the San Joaquin Valley, where they are harvested through the end of September. 

Where to find Kiss Melons

Kiss Melons are available at well-stocked grocers throughout California! Can’t find them at your favorite grocery store? Put in a request or ask to speak to the manager. 

The Best Melon Recipes

What’s your favorite way to enjoy California Grown melons? Drizzled with lime juice and hot honey? Blended into a frosty Cantaloupe Mangonada? Check out a few of our favorite melon recipes!

Article and photography by Hilary Rance. Mixed Melon Platter images courtesy of Meg van der Kruik for California Grown.