by Laurie Barker Jackman, RD
There is nothing I want more on a hot summer day than a refreshing slice of melon! Their vivid colour, hydrating flesh and naturally sweet flavour make them my go-to fruit choice. This guide will explore the most popular types of melons, how to pick and cut them like a pro, and trendy ways to enjoy them all summer long.
5 Melons You’ll Love
Here are some popular melon varieties, each delivering its own unique flavour and texture profile.
1. Watermelon
Watermelon stands out as one of the most sought-after summer fruits. The sweet inner flesh of the fruit can be red, yellow, orange or white, depending on the variety, though red is the most common type found in our grocery stores. The more vivid the colour of the flesh, the sweeter the taste tends to be. It’s your go to melon for everything from popsicles to picnics!
2. Cantaloupe (a.k.a. Muskmelon)
You’ll recognize this melon by its webbed rind and orange flesh. It offers a floral, honey-like sweetness. It pairs perfectly with salty or spicy flavours.
3. Honeydew
With its smooth, pale green skin and light green flesh, honeydew is known for its mellow sweetness. This fruit is often seen in chilled soups and fruit salads.
4. Galia Melon
A hybrid between cantaloupe and honeydew, this melon has a netted rind like a cantaloupe and a pale green, honeydew-like flesh. They have a sweet and aromatic flavour. Try adding a squeeze of lime and pairing it with mint and feta cheese for a winning combination.
5. Canary Melon
This melon is known for its bright yellow skin with a crisp white flesh inside. They have a mildly tangy flavour and are the perfect addition to a summer snack board.
How to Pick the Perfect Melon Every Time
Shopping for melons can feel like a gamble—until you know what signs to look for. All melons should feel heavy, have no major soft spots and give a faintly sweet aroma when ripe. If you want the juiciest most flavourful melon, here are some special considerations:
For Watermelon:
- Look for a creamy yellow “field spot” (where it sat on the ground). This indicates that the melon had enough time to ripen on the vine.
- Gently tap or knock on the side of the melon and listen for a deep, hollow sound. That indicates a high-water content and ripeness.
- A uniform shape indicates sweetness, and a dark and dull look indicates ripeness.
For Cantaloupe:
- Look for a well-defined netting pattern on the skin; it’s a sign of ripeness.
- Smell the blossom end—it should smell sweet and fragrant.
- It should feel heavy for its size and have a slight give when pressed at the stem.
For Honeydew:
- The skin should feel waxy rather than slick. This suggests the melon is sweet and ripe.
- It should feel heavy and smell faintly sweet at the blossom end.
- A ripe honeydew melon will have a creamy yellow or light-yellow rind, not a pale green or white color.
The Art of Cutting Melons
Cutting melons may be intimidating to some, but once mastered, it is a game-changer. First step is to select a large, sharp knife and a clean cutting board. Wash the melon well before getting started and follow some of these pro tips.
Watermelon:
- Slice off both ends to create a flat surface and stabilize the melon.
- Stand it up and slice away the rind in strips.
- Then cut into half-moons or cubes, depending on your snacking plans.
Another option is to follow step one, then cut the melon in half and place one half cut-side down. Make vertical slices into the melon, about 3 cm apart. Then rotate the melon 90 degrees and make another set of slices, creating a grid pattern. Repeat with the other half. Simply pull the pieces apart and enjoy watermelon sticks! Great for a fruit platter or handheld snack.
Cantaloupe & Honeydew and others with seeds:
- Cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Place flat side down, then slice into wedges.
- Slice between the rind and melon flesh, along the line where the colour changes.
- You can serve in wedges or cubes.
- A serrated knife works wonders if your chef’s knife isn’t up to the task.
Looking for a fun way to present your melon? Use a melon baller to scoop out balls of melon flesh. These look great in a fruit salad, on skewers, or you can even freeze them and add as a fancy addition to your summer drink to keep it cold without watering it down. They will be the star of your entertaining table.
Fun, Fresh, and On-Trend Ways to Use Melon This Summer
- Melon Skewers with Prosciutto & Mint – A perfect balance of sweet and salty. Thread melon cubes or balls with prosciutto ribbons and mint leaves for an elegant appetizer.
- Frozen Melon Popsicles – Blend cantaloupe or honeydew with lime juice and a touch of honey, then freeze in molds for a healthy frozen treat. Looking for a creamy alternative? Here is a great recipe for Strawberry, watermelon and vanilla popsicles from Half Your Plate.
- Watermelon Pops – Looking for an easier idea? Simply cut watermelon into wedges, insert a popsicle stick and freeze for easy-peasy watermelon pops!
- Grilled Watermelon – Get your tastebuds ready! Cut watermelon into thick triangle-shaped slices leaving the rind attached. Grill over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear. Serve with a drizzle of homey lime sauce or some feta and balsamic glaze. Or, give this grilled watermelon crostini with a honey balsamic reduction, a try.
- Watermelon Pizza – Slice your watermelon into thick rounds, spread vanilla Greek yogurt as your ‘sauce’ then add topping like fresh berries, shredded coconut and mint. It is delicious and Instagram worthy.
- Watermelon Panzanella with Balsamic Reduction – This hearty salad is a perfect addition to your next picnic or family-style meal. See the full recipe here: Half Your Plate Recipe
Whatever melon you choose, I hope you are inspired to make it the highlight of your next summer spread!
About the author
Laurie Barker Jackman is a registered dietitian and media personality. She is a regular dietitian expert on CTV Morning Live in Halifax, sharing her recipes and nutrition tips to inspire viewers. Check out Laurie’s segments and recipes by following her on Instagram.
