Crenshaw Melons, cut

Look for cut Crenshaw melon pieces that:

• Have a golden bronze rind and an orange flesh
• Have a sweet, fragrant smell
• Feel heavy for their size
• Are in season

Because of their size, grocers frequently cut up Crenshaw melons and sell them in halves, quarters, and other partial sizes. Since a Crenshaw melon will not continue to ripen after it has been cut, it is essential that a cut Crenshaw has a golden bronze rind. This color indicates that the melon is ripe. An orange flesh and fragrent smell indicate freshness and ripeness. Melon pieces that feel heavy for their size indicates they are probably juicy. Their peak season is July through October, but Crenshaw melons are typically at their tastiest in the fall.

Notes

Allow approximately one cup diced melon per person served.

After you get your cut Crenshaw melon home

Cut Crenshaw melon pieces can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Keep them wrapped in plastic and place cut side down on a plate. Pieces without the rind should be stored in a plastic bag and kept in the refrigerator.

Crenshaw melons can be frozen for future consumption, but the thawed flesh can be mushy, so it should be thawed slightly in the refrigerator and served partially frozen. To freeze, remove rind if there is any, place the pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until firm. Remove the frozen pieces and store them in freezer bags from which the air has been removed. Cut melon will keep in the freezer for eight to twelve months.