Our Favorite Melon Varieties
May 06, 2013
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Melons are the sweetest and juciest fruit our garden yielded.
1 of 4
Perfectly Simple
Credit: Photo: Johnny Miller
Musky, fragrant cantaloupes, with their velvety flesh, and crisp, sugary watermelons in spectacular colors are just a couple of the sweet treats that come from a summer garden. Fresh slices make a perfect—and perfectly simple—summertime dessert, but we found that with a little extra effort you can put together a creamy sherbet that's the absolute essence of melon. And they shine with savory elements, too: A little salty cheese, pungent onion, and lightly bitter greens bring out their best.
1 of 4
Advertisement
Advertisement
2 of 4
Moon and Stars Melons
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
An heirloom brought back from the edge of extinction some 30 years ago, this hefty melon has sweet, meaty flesh.
2 of 4
3 of 4
White Wonder Melons
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
It shares a name with one of our cuke varieties but stands alone among melons: Its fragrant, crisp, sugary flesh boasts a hint of lemon. The best melon we've had.
3 of 4
Advertisement
4 of 4
Old-Time Tennessee Melons
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
A watermelon-sized cantaloupe (8 to 10 pounds) with classic muskmelon aroma. The soft flesh bruises easily, so handle with care.