Melons grow in many gardens around the world and in the United States, farmers all over the place are growing all sorts of melons. The Top 3 Melons in the USA are Watermelon, Honeydew, and Cantaloupe. Ask a farmer next time you visit a farmers market about the melons they grow on their farm, and if they have a type you haven’t tried before, I challenge your family to try something new!
Melons are good for you!
A one-cup serving of cantaloupe has only 53 calories, but it contains 106 percent of the vitamin A daily value and 95 percent of vitamin C. It’s also a good source of potassium and folate.
A cup of honeydew has 60 calories, 51 percent vitamin C daily value and 11 percent of potassium. Honeydew also contains some fiber, folate and vitamin B6.
Watermelon is very low in calories, coming in at 46 calories per one-cup serving. However, it’s loaded with the antioxidant lycopene, which is linked to decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and age-related eye disorders, and contains a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium.
Where are melons from?
Cantaloupe and honeydew melons belong to the muskmelon family. These melons first grew in the Middle East, and there are many different varieties. Watermelons originated in Africa and there are over 1,200 different kinds of watermelon!
Melon Safety!
You can store whole melons at room temperature, but once you cut them, you should store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before you cut open any melons, wash them under water, and gently scrub the rind with a brush. Melons grow on the ground, and can get dirty!
What can you do with a melon? Lots of things!
- Make melon popsicles! Recipe is here: https://kidscreateutah.org/?s=popsicles
- Infuse melon slices in water. Try Watermelon + Mint or Canaloupe, Cucumber, and Lime!
- Add melon cubes to fruit kabobs! Try grapes, Honeydew melon and mozzarella cheese cubes for a great summer snack. Keep them cool until they’re ready for eating.
- Create a melon smoothie. Freeze watermelon cubes overnight, then whirl in a blender with vanilla yogurt and top with whipped cream!
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