8 ways with melons

Melon season is almost over and with bargain prices at the moment it can be tempting to stock up on this refreshing summer treat.

The best way to avoid wasting melon is making sure you know how to pick a good one.

Watermelons

Whether big or small, the watermelon should feel heavy for its size. Choose a watermelon with dull skin (shiny means it is under-ripe). Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe. Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound. Under-ripe or over-ripe melons will sound dull.

Rockmelons and Honeydew melons

Again they should feel heavy for their size. A ripe rockmelon or honeydew should have a deep, sweet scent, so smell it. Rockmelon has a texture on its skin known as ‘netting’ – look for a rockmelon with obvious netting (if it is too smooth, it is under-ripe). For honeydew choose one with dull skin.

Melons don’t continue to ripen once picked so what happens if you get home, crack open that melon to find it is either unripe or over-ripe?

Tip: Unripe melon is perfect for salads and savoury dishes, while over-ripe melons suit sweet dishes.

Watermelon salad

Jazz up that unripe melon (any melon is fine) with black olives, red onion, feta cheese and basil leaves for this tasty and refreshing salad.

Watermelon salsa

Serve this fresh take on salsa with corn chips and we can almost guarantee your children will be happy!

 Beans, celery, cucumber and melon salad

This healthy salad is super easy and looks impressive.

For melons that are over-ripe the following sweet treats hit the spot.

Watermelon sorbet

You don’t need an ice cream maker for this delicious sorbet, but you do need to make it the day before you want to eat it.

Watermelon ice blocks

These fun ice blocks will be a hit with kids and adults alike. To get the watermelon-like look make a rockmelon layer first and let partially freeze, then add the watermelon layer (add mini choc buttons for seeds for special occasions).

Rockmelon granita

This granita is one for the adults – perfect if you have leftover sparkling wine or want an easy but impressive dinner party dessert.

And for those of you who don’t want to waste the rind? 

Watermelon rind pickle

This delicious pickle recipe is the perfect accompaniment to savoury dishes and can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.

Southern fried melon rind

It may sound odd to us, but in the southern states of the USA fried melon rind is a delicacy.