Crenshaw Melon: The Cadillac of All The Melons

How many types of melon have you eaten so far?

Definitely more than one.

The interesting thing is that most of the melons we hear about or enjoy eating today are hybrids or hybrids between two different melons.

There is a very expensive melon that has been called the Cadillac of all melons because of its extra sweetness and aroma. (Crenshaw Melon)

And this is none other than the Crenshaw melon. So, let’s find out more about this beautiful melon today.

What is a Crenshaw melon?

The Crenshaw melon is a cross between Persian and casaba melons, rectangular in shape with an almost flat base on which it can stand vertically.

The bark is firm, yellowish-green to golden yellow, with wrinkles at the stem end and a slightly waxy feel. The flesh is peach in color, which is very sweet and aromatic.

The Crenshaw melon is larger in size than other members of its genus. The typical Crenshaw melon weighs about 8-10 pounds.

There are two varieties of Crenshaw melons, green and sunburn resistant white.

Nutritional Benefits

1 serving=134g

With a half-cup serving, the minimum daily requirement for vitamin A is met,

9 grams of carbohydrates

And the most important thing,

It provides 50% of the minimum daily intake of vitamin C, a well-known immune-boosting vitamin.

Ideally, Crenshaw melon should be paired with cottage cheese to make a well-balanced meal.

Or as an additional meal alongside your regular breakfast.

Fun Fact: There is a popular word puzzle game known as Crenshaw Melon Word Cookies, where the player matches the appropriate pictures with words.

Health Benefits of Crenshaw Melon

Crenshaw melon has many health benefits. Let’s discuss some of them.

i. Boosts Your Immune System

Rich in vitamin C, Crenshaw cantaloupe can help boost your immunity so you’re less prone to viral diseases.

Since our bodies can’t store vitamin C, you should make foods like Crenshaw melon a part of your daily diet so that your body gets what it needs on a daily basis.

ii. Helps in the growth and repair of Tissues

The Crenshaw melon contains over 50% of the daily intake of vitamin C, making it everyone’s favourite.

Eating Crenshaw melon regularly will help your body repair and maintain bones, teeth and cartilage.

Vitamin C also helps in the formation of an important protein used to make tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and ligaments.

In addition, it aids in the absorption of iron, heals wounds and forms scar tissue.

iii. May Help Maintain A Healthy vision

The vitamin A content in Crenshaw melon helps prevent night blindness and slows the decay of eyes with age.

The good thing is, you don’t need to eat Crenshaw melons often for this benefit of healthy vision.

Instead, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored by your body to be used as sand when needed.

iv. May prevent against certain cancers

High intake of vitamin A, especially from plants, is said to reduce the risk of cancer, including Hodgkin lymphoma, lung, bladder and cervical cancer.

Classification of Different Melons

Although most Melons are classified as Cucumis melo (Watermelon), there are still different classifications according to Botany:

1. Cantaloupensis. Examples include Melons, which are not common in the US. They have a hard, scaly and warty shell.
2. Reticulate. Aromatic melons such as musk melons and Persian melons fall into this category.
3. Odorless. All late-ripening melons, including the variety discussed today, the Crenshaw melon, whose parent is Casabas, fall here. Other varieties include honeydew.
4. Flexuosus. This section includes such varieties as Snake melon.
5. Konomon. Large cucumber-like melons, such as the Oriental Pickling melon, fall into this category.

How to Grow Crenshaw Melon At Home?

For outdoor planting, sow six seeds per hill ½ inch deep in the garden 1-2 weeks after the last frost and remember to keep a distance of 4-6 feet.

Make sure the soils stay warm, especially until the melon reaches at least the size of a tennis ball.

For details, let’s look at every aspect of growing Crenshaw melon below.

If you are a beginner in gardening, it is better to get an overview of a few gardening tips first.

1. Preparing the Soil

The first step is site selection and soil quality. The site should receive partial to full sunlight as it grows well in full sunlight.

Using tools is also an art. Therefore, if possible, try to use tools suitable for gardening, so that your work efficiency increases.

The soil should be well-drained with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Keep moist until germination begins and fruit reaches the size of a tennis ball.

The temperate temperature of the soil should be as high as 75 otherwise cover it with an opaque plastic for a few days until the required temperature is achieved.

2. Sowing the Seeds

The right time to plant Crenshaw melons in your backyard is two weeks after the last frost. Plant 5-6 seeds in one spot and another seed 4-6 feet away in the same row.

On the other hand, if you want to grow it indoors, it is recommended to plant 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Plant 2-3 seeds in each pot and keep the soil warm.

3. Maintenance

Keep the soil moist until the fruit reaches a large size, as the plant cannot tolerate drought. Also, you shouldn’t water too much as it may affect the taste of the fruit later.

There are several methods to choose from to protect your Crenshaw melon from insect attack.

To protect the melon from rodent or pest attack, you can wrap it in your kitchen towel, an old t-shirt, or a plastic container.

4. Harvesting: When to Pick Crenshaw Melon?

How to tell if a Crenshaw melon is ripe? Like any other melon, there are some signs that tell you the right time to pick them.

The first thing is its smell and color. If it has a golden color and smells a lot, it is ripe.

Another thing you can do is look from the flower tip. Gently press around this tip and see if it is hard. If it’s not hard, it’s ripe.

You can also shake it a little near your ear and listen if you can hear the sound of the dough. The sound of shaking pulp may indicate that the fruit is ripe.

The above criteria can also be applied when buying this melon from the market.

Many people often ask how to tell if a melon is ripe.

Regarding the melon, its ability to press lightly and feel the slight softness is an indication that the melon is ripe. Also, if it is ripe, it will weigh a little more.

5. Saving Crenshaw Melon Seeds

It should be noted here that since the Crenshaw melon is a hybrid, you may not get the same melons when you store and plant the seeds.

However, if you’re not keen on getting that same Crenshaw melon again, here’s how to save its seeds.

Storing seeds is one of the easiest things to do.

After cutting the melon in half, remove the pulp containing the seeds with a spoon and soak this pulp in water for 2-4 days. Soaking allows dead seeds to float to the surface.

Remove these floating seeds and strain the remainder from the pulp. Now dry these healthy seeds on a paper towel for 3-4 days.

Once completely dry, place in a plastic bag and label it with the harvest date and put it in the freezer for two days, then put it in the refrigerator.

Recipe: Minted Crenshaw Melon Salad

Because of its extra sweetness, people love to try different Crenshaw melon recipes.

Today we have brought an equally delicious and healthy recipe for you.

Ingredients

• Half a Crenshaw melon, sliced into small pieces
• Approximately 250 g of watermelon slices
• 8-10 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon of cane sugar
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Instructions

Grind the cane sugar and mint leaves and add the lemon juice. Once a paste forms, pour it over the Crenshaw slices and watermelons. The delicious Minted Crenshaw melon is ready.

Different Ways to Eat Crenshaw Melon

• as dinner
• Cut it with a slicer and add it with other fruits to make a fruit salad.
• In cold fruit soups
• In salsas, sorbets and smoothies

Can Dogs Eat Crenshaw Melon?

According to the AKC, melons are safe for puppies and considered healthy, especially if your dog is overweight.

Even Crenshaw melon seeds are healthy for dogs, but you should avoid giving them as they are a choking hazard.

The Bottom Line

Among the various melon varieties available, Crenshaw is a must-try hybrid melon that is the sweetest of them all. You can easily grow it in your backyard with minimal care. So try this beautiful melon, save the seeds, grow it next time and continue enjoying it all season.

Did you know about this melon before? Let us know in the comment section below.

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