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What is a Crenshaw Melon?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 94,175
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A Crenshaw melon is a hybrid melon with very sweet, juicy orange flesh. Crenshaws are among the sweetest of melons when they are well cultivated, making them a popular melon during their peak season between July and September. Many markets and greengrocers carry Crenshaw melons in the summertime, along with an assortment of other refreshing summer fruits.

When ripe, Crenshaw melons are roughly ovoid, with a greenish-yellow, slightly ribbed skin. Inside, the melons are a rich salmon pink, with a large seeded area in the center portion of the melon. To select a good Crenshaw melon in the store, look for a melon which feels heavy for its size, and yields slightly at the end of the melon where the flower once was. Keep the melon under refrigeration for up to three days before using.

The melons were bred by crossing casaba melons with Persian melons, also sometimes called muskmelons. The favorable traits of both melon varieties successfully manifested in the cross breed, and it quickly became one of the more popular melons on the market. The melons can be eaten plain as a snack food, mixed in with fruit salads, or wrapped in prosciutto for a twist on the classic prosciutto wrapped melon appetizer. Crenshaw melon sorbet is also a great summer treat, and some people like to pickle slightly green Crenshaws to eat year-round.

As all melons prefer warm weather and full sun, the Crenshaw melon grows best in hot to temperate climates, and it requires patience to grow. Start by planting melon seedlings in a hot place in well-conditioned soil which receives full sun. The soil should be worked with compost and mulch so that it is rich, but also drains well, and stakes to support the melon vines as they grow are an excellent addition. Keep the melons well watered, and cover them at night if the temperatures dip.

In many cases, a ripe Crenshaw melon will pull itself off the vine with its own weight. In other instances, a very gentle tug on the melon should separate it from the vine. If the melon does not give easily, it is not quite ripe and it should be allowed to stay on the vine to develop maximum flavor and sweetness. As is often the case with melons, most of the crop ripens all at once, so be prepared to give away large volumes of melons, since you will probably not be able to eat them all. Once all the vines have borne fruit, remove them and recondition the soil for the next crop.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon937481 — On Mar 05, 2014

Not all Crenshaw melons are hybrids. Most are open pollinated.

By anon215273 — On Sep 17, 2011

My wife and I were blessed by our landlord and lady with one of these melons. I'd imagine it was a gift as in a thank you for our continued dedication to pay the rent "on time" and "in full" for the better part of four years now.

Well, anyway, frankly it was our first time seeing or tasting this fruit. It is so good and sweet. What a blessing and refreshing taste God has produced. If I had to guess, I would say it was grown in the "back yard" of the Garden of Eden's door step! Since we can't get in because of the awesomely powerful angel, who guards its gate, then God must have left this one halfway outside the gates, just in our reach to get a sample of what we missed out on. Adam and Eve, see what you did?

ersonally, although I have forgiven them for their disobedience, I don't think I like them very much. Go Crenshaw, go Crenshaw, go! I'm a witness.

By anon127008 — On Nov 14, 2010

A melon that is underripe may be further ripened by allowing it to sit at room temperature for several days. The warmer the temperature, the faster it ripens, and rots! Wash and dry the melon before placing it on a clean, dry, absorbent cloth on a firm surface or colander to ripen. Check melon all over each day for soft spots or mold. Shake to see if the seed cavity is full of juice.

This method works with cantaloupes, casabas and crenshaws, provided their color is not too green. I have never successfully ripened a honeydew, maybe because they are too underripe when picked.

By anon40702 — On Aug 10, 2009

Crenshaw melons purchased in the supermarket never seem to be fully ripe. After bringing one home is there any way to continue the ripening process?

By ouete12 — On Jul 21, 2008

what does a crenshaw melon look like when it's growing----is it light green with slightly darker green stripes with a pointed end?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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