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The Best Melon Recipes The Internet Has To Offer
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California grows every type of summer melon under the sun and if you love them as much as we do you are going to want to get your Pinterest trigger finger ready because this post is chock-full of the best melon recipes that the internet has to offer.
Where are melons grown in California?
California leads the nation in production of cantaloupe melons, honeydew melons, and many specialty melon varieties. In fact, the Golden State is the largest melon producer in the U.S. with most of our melon crops hailing from the Southern Desert Area and the San Joaquin Valley.
It’s no secret that we know a thing or two when it comes to shopping for, selecting, and preparing melons. We also know a lot about how to cook and eat all types of melon too! From roasted cantaloupe seeds to ceviche, and even milkshakes – there is a melon recipe for every type of melon fan below.
Do you know how to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe?
There are 3 things you should be looking for when trying to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe. Using these guidelines you should be able to select the sweetest, ripest California cantaloupes that your store or farmstand has on display.
A cantaloupe is ripe when…
- The blossom end is slightly softer and starting to crack.
- There is some netting growing up the stem.
- It has a creamy color – they can have more of a green cast.
How to properly handle, store, and prepare cantaloupe at home.
After you bring your cantaloupe home it is important to always follow safe handling and storing guidelines.
California cantaloupe farmers work hard to provide us with the safest melons in the world. California cantaloupes are grown under a stringent food safety program that requires growers to pass a government food safety audit with 180 different checkpoints in their fields and another 150 checkpoint audit in their cooling facilities! That is a whole bunch of checkpoints!
Since California cantaloupe growers are doing their part to keep melons safe please do your part by following the simple handling and storing guidelines below at home.
Safe handling and storing guidelines for cantaloupes at home.
- Wash cantaloupe with running water before cutting into it. Use a scrub brush to thoroughly clean the rind.
- Use a clean knife and cutting board when preparing cantaloupe to prevent contamination from other foods.
- After cutting, store cantaloupe in the refrigerator in plastic wrap or a sealed container.
Recipes with cantaloupe.
Now that you are well versed in selecting, handling, storing, and preparing cantaloupe, let’s get down to business and check out some of the most delicious cantaloupe recipes that the internet has to offer from our California Grown Creators!
Cantaloupe Agua Fresca
Our homemade agua fresca recipe is easy to make, delicious to sip, and incredibly refreshing! It is perfect for backyard BBQs, beach days, and just about any other instance when you need a thirst-quenching beverage.
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Roasted Cantaloupe Seeds
Ever wondered if you can eat cantaloupe seeds? You totally can and California Cantaloupes has 3 delicious ways to do it!
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Chile Basil Coconut Ceviche
This summer ceviche recipe from Salt & Wind has a Caribbean slant thanks to the addition of coconut milk and cantaloupe
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Ratafruitie
Ever hear of ratatouille? Husbands that Cook created this cantaloupe and fruit-filled version and we cannot wait to make it this summer!
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Cantaloupe Watermelon Salad
This easy recipe for melon salad from California Cantaloupes is sweet and salty at the same time and utterly refreshing!
Click here to try this delicious melon recipe with cantaloupe!
Cantaloupe Canapés
Celebrate fresh summer flavor with our Cantaloupe Canapés, an easy and delicious cantaloupe recipe.
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Cantaloupe Breakfast Bowl
You can make this fruity breakfast bowl with any melon you happen to have on hand and the fillings are totally customizable too! Winning!
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Poolside Sangria
This cantaloupe-inspired sangria from California Cantaloupes is bright, refreshing and even comes with a cantaloupe wedge for poolside snacking.
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Minty Cantaloupe Popsicles
Refreshing cantaloupe popsicles with just a hint of mint! Don’t mind if we do.
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Melon and Mozzarella Salad
Say hello to the most simple yet delicious melon salad from Pinch My Salt that you will ever lay your eyes on!
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Cantaloupe Pico de Gallo
No measuring is required for this non-recipe recipe from California Cantaloupes. Just add as much or as little of each ingredient as you prefer for a super simple appetizer that’s ready in just minutes.
Click here to try this delicious melon recipe with cantaloupe!
Cantaloupe Grapefruit Vodka Martini
This is an easy step-by-step guide to make your own infused vodka with cantaloupe.
Plus, a recipe for crisp, tart and sweet Cantaloupe Grapefruit Martini made with the cantaloupe-infused vodka and fresh fruit.
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Cantaloupe Caprese Skewers
Thanks to California Cantaloupes this summer there will be an entirely new variation of Caprese Salad on the menu at our house and it’s loaded with cantaloupe!
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Cantaloupe Blueberry Caprese Salad
We LOVE cantaloupes and blueberries together around here, so it should be no secret that this spin on Caprese from California Cantaloupes that combines the two is the dish we are most excited to try this summer.
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Cantaloupe Jam
What even is summer without homemade jam? This season try making jam with cantaloupes. This jam recipe from California Cantaloupes isn’t overly sweet and is perfect for cheeseboards, gorgeous crostini, or just slathered on your breakfast toast!
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Do you know how to tell if a watermelon is ripe?
A ripe watermelon will feel sturdy and have a resonant, satisfying hollow sound when you give it a slight whack with your hand. That hollow sound means it’s bursting with watermelon juiciness and is at its peak of ripeness. If the thwap is dull sounding or the fruit feels soft, pass on it so that it can ripen a bit further.
Recipes with watermelon.
Rosemary Melonade
This exotic blend from Salt & Wind sips like a fancy cocktail but skips the hefty bar tab. Melon is hydrating, and rich in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory lycopenes, while rosemary contributes awesome flavor and antibacterial backup. Consider this combination your secret immunity-boosting agent!
Click here to try this delicious watermelon recipe!
5-Ingredient Melon and Lemongrass Ice Cream
This simple plant-based ice cream from This Mess is Ours has loads of fresh watermelon, coconut milk, cashews, lemongrass, and a touch of sugar.
Click here to try this delicious watermelon recipe!
Summer Watermelon Salad
This simple Summer Watermelon Salad from G Free Foodie is packed with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in each and every bite. Consider yourself warned, this salad is highly addictive.
Click here to try this delicious melon recipe with watermelon!
Easy Watermelon Canapés
Have a summer soiree you are planning for? Are you looking for an irresistible watermelon recipe for your next date night in?
This watermelon recipe from This Mess is Ours will definitely do the trick!
Click here to try this delicious watermelon recipe!
Easy Fresh Fruit Skewers
These fresh fruit skewers from Best Friends for Frosting are the perfect, refreshing treat for hot summer events and kids love them!!
Click here to try this delicious watermelon recipe!
How to make a watermelon keg!
This fun post shares some of our favorite recipes with watermelon juice and a really creative way to serve them!
Click here for this watermelon DIY!
Cucumber-Watermelon Salad
This refreshing summer salad from Hola Jalapeno is full of cucumbers and watermelon in a Mexican-inspired dressing of lime, jalapeños, and mint.
Click here to try this delicious cantaloupe recipe!
Watermelon Milkshake
Looking for a new milkshake recipe, or the perfect mid-day summer treat? This watermelon milkshake from Best Friends for Frosting is so refreshing and such a fun twist on summer classics!
Click here to try this delicious watermelon recipe!
Shrimp and Watermelon Ceviche
This ceviche has all the hallmarks of Baja cuisine but with the unexpected heat from not one but two chiles, a little coconut water for sweetness, and tons of fresh herbs.
This recipe is Salt & Wind’s favorite cocktail hour appetizer to serve whenever she finds good watermelon and we can see why!
Click here to try this delicious watermelon recipe!
Watermelon, Berry, and Basil Salad
This watermelon salad recipe from This Mess is Ours really highlights the best that the summer season has to offer!
Click here to try this delicious watermelon recipe!
Recipes with different types of melon.
We have never met a melon that we didn’t like, in fact, we love California melons so much that we sometimes combine a few of them together in recipes so we can indulge in every possible melon flavor all at once!
Refreshing Summer Melon Bar
When melon season is in full force in the Golden State it is the perfect time for hosting a fun and tasty Melon Party full of fresh melons and sweet toppings!
Click here to try this delicious melon recipe!
Cucumber Melon Caprese Salad
The Bojon Gourmet knows how to make a simple melon salad look pretty darn impressive! The play of textures – soft, crispy, gooey – and flavors – sweet, tart, clean, and peppery will keep you coming back for more.
Click here to try this delicious melon recipe!
Sparkling Melon Sangria
No need to look any further for your poolside summer sipper! This delicious sangria recipe from The Delicious Life is literally bursting with melon flavor.
You can make this summer sangria with one type of melon or multiple types like Sarah did. Any way you go this drink is absolutely refreshing!
Click here to try this delicious melon recipe!
Melon with Lime, Feta, & Mint Salad
This melon salad recipe from Bojon Gourmet screams “summer,” and makes the most perfectly refreshing meal on a day when you’re both ravenous and too hot to cook.
Click here to try this delicious melon recipe!
Grilled Fruit Salad
There is nothing more unexpected or satisfying in the summer than grilling fruit…NOTHING!
Click here to try this delicious melon recipe!
The Ultimate Summer Fruit Board
This gorgeous fruit-inspired spread from Hola Jalapeno will be loved by everyone you serve it to. From the smallest munchkin to the most sophisticated adult – everyone loves a Summer fruit platter!
Click here to try this delicious melon recipe!
Triple Melon Layer Cake
This faux dessert cake is loaded with 3 types of melon, so you can get your melon fix with each and every bite.