Melons

Melons are large round fruit. They taste sweet and are good for you! Watermelons and Cantaloupes have Potassium and Vitamin A. Honeydew melons have Vitamin C, Iron, B Vitamins, Potassium and Fiber.

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There are so many different types of melons! These are just a few:

Cantaloupe

Honeydew

Water Melon

Did you know? 

Watermelons, Cantaloupes, and Honeydews all grow on vines on the ground like pumpkins?

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Buying melon,

• Choose melons that smell sweet and fruity. (Kids can help with this part!)
• Avoid melons with lumps, soft spots or visible bruises.
• They should be heavy for their size​​​​​.
• Place into an individual plastic bag. 
• After buying, go home as soon as possible. Don't leave melons in a warm car.

Honeydew is ripe when the outside skin is waxy, bounces back when pressed, and has a little bit of wrinkling on the skin's surface.
Watermelons are ripe when they have a tan or yellow bottom. (A white bottom means it is not ready.)

Storing melon

• Wash outer surfaces with water that is warmer than the fruit. Then pat dry.
• Keep whole melons out of direct sunlight.
• Store in a place that is room temperature until they are ripe.
• Once the melon is ripe you can store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat it.

You can keep cut-up melon in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

Preparing melon

• Rinse the outside rinds with warm water.
• Scrub well and pat dry.
• Cut in half.
• Remove the seeds​​ by scooping them out with a spoon if necessary.
• Cut into chunks or slices.

• Remember to keep cut melon pieces in the refrigerator!

Raw honeydew pairs with lime, mint, and fresh berries!
​You can add pieces of watermelon to water for a refreshing drink!

Try these recipes!

Cucumber Watermelon Salad

Melon Salsa

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Remember to use utensils and cutting boards washed in hot soapy water before and after preparation