Picture this: You’re listening to The Mills Brothersā “Yellow Bird” as you cut open a juicy Canary Melon. The dreamy music and bright yellow fruit bring a tropical summer feeling right into your kitchen. The inside of the melon is cool white tinged with pale green, and its honeyed scent promises sweetness. Your mouth is watering: Youāve made it to Canary melon wonderland!
The Canary melon is a large, oval-shaped fruit with mysterious origins. The Smithsonian Magazine claims that it hails from the Canary Islands, while other accounts trace it to the Middle East near modern-day Iran. Itās unclear whether the melonās name is a reference to the islands or the bird that shares its bright yellow color. Either way, thereās no doubt that itās a delicious spring and summer treat.
The Canary melon transforms as it ripens, its skin turning a vivid yellow with a smooth, waxy feel. Inside, its white or pale green flesh has a soft, creamy texture similar to a ripe pear. The melon’s flavor is delightfully sweet, with hints of banana and pineapple and a mellow, musky finish.
The Canary melon is a treasure trove of nutrients, offering dietary fiber for digestive health and Vitamin C to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Itās also rich in Vitamin A, which keeps your organs healthy, and potassium, which helps balance the fluid in your cells.
Not impressed yet? Youāll also find manganese, iron, calcium, phosphorus, pantothenic acid, zinc, Vitamin B6, magnesium, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids hidden in each juicy bite.
Because of the nutrients listed above, snacking on Canary melon slices can bring a surprising number of health benefits. Here are just a couple of them.
Canary melons naturally include vitamins A and C, which contribute to healthy vision and proper cornea function.
The vitamins and minerals in Canary melons can help strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation, keeping illnesses at bay.
Canary melons are also low in calories, fat-free, and vegan, so theyāre a healthy snack for almost every diet and lifestyle.
Canary melons shine in various culinary creations, from fresh, crisp salads and salsas to fruity smoothies. Try tossing slices on the grill or drizzling them with olive oil and sprinkling them with oregano, basil, or mint. For a refreshing treat, you can even make Canary melon sorbet! Add frozen cubes of melon and ice to a blender along with fresh fruit juice and your favorite sweetener.
For peak flavor, choose melons that weigh four to five pounds and have bright yellow skin. Avoid green melons, as they won’t mature off the vine. A ripe Canary melon will smell sweet and feel a bit soft at the bottom.
If you want to enjoy ripe Canary melons and other fresh fruits without the hassle of picking them yourself, The FruitGuys has you covered. Check out our seasonal fruit delivery boxes bursting with farm-fresh goodness.
Yes, the seeds are edible. You can even roast them for a crunchy snack!
Store your melons at room temperature until you cut them. After you dig in, stash the leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic and refrigerate them for up to five days.
The peak season for canary melons is late spring through summer.
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