Muskmelons are small to medium-sized melons, and have a round to oblong shape with blunt, curved ends. Underneath the surface, the flesh is thick, dense, aqueous, and tender with a succulent, slightly sticky consistency. The flesh is mainly orange, but just below the rind, there is a fine green ring. There is also a central cavity filled with fibers and ivory, oval seeds encased in a light coating of gelatinous liquid. They have a honeyed, musky and floral aroma when ripe and will feel heavy for their size, yielding slightly to pressure at the blossom end. The melon’s flesh has a distinct, sweet, floral, and fruity flavor and is primarily consumed as a fresh fruit.

Health Benefits

Muskmelons are an excellent source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, and beta-carotene, the orange pigment found in the melon’s flesh that provides antioxidant-like properties to protect the cells from free radical damage. The melons also contain fiber to regulate the digestive tract, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, and lower amounts of magnesium, vitamin B6, folate, niacin, and thiamine.

Usage

Muskmelons have a sweet, juicy, and floral nature, showcased when served fresh into wedges, cubes, and pieces. They can be incorporated into breakfast dishes such as oatmeal, cereal, or yogurt, served as a waffle or pancake topping, or consumed as a stand-alone dish. The flesh can also be pureed into smoothies and shakes, used as a flavor for cocktails. In addition to sweet dishes, they can be tossed into green salads and fruit salads, wrapped in cured meats as an appetizer, or mixed into coconut broth as a chilled soup. Muskmelons pair well with herbs such as mint, basil, cilantro, citrus, other fruits including kiwi, strawberries, honeydew, and watermelon, honey, vanilla, and nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios.

Storage

Whole, unwashed muskmelons can be left at room temperature to ripen for up to three days. Once mature, the melons should be consumed immediately for the best quality and flavor. Muskmelon slices can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for three days.