Melons
Southwestern Idaho is known for exceptionally sweet and tasty melons. Varieties grown in Idaho include watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. With their large size, firm texture and juicy fruit, Idaho melons are available from August through mid-October.
When selecting melons look for firm symmetrical fruit free of bruises and soft spots. Often, melons will have a white bleached side from resting on the soil and although this creates a blemish on the melon, it does not usually affect the quality of the fruit. Ripe cantaloupes will have a sweet aroma and a ripe watermelon will be firm, evenly-shaped, heavy for its size and have a deep-pitched tone when slapped with an open palm. It is important to select a ripe melon, because unlike most other fruits and vegetables, watermelons do not ripen any further once they are cut from the vine.
Most melons are a good source of Vitamin C and melons with deep orange or red flesh are rich in Vitamin A. Melons are a sweet treat with only 80 calories per 1/2 cantaloupe, 50 calories per wedge of honeydew, and 110 calories per 1-inch slice of watermelon.
Member Success Stories
Great networking opportunities for chefs and local producers were the highlight of the 2nd Annual Sun Valley Farmer-Chef Collaborative held on April 21, 2010.Find out more >
