Everything You Wanted To Know About Picasso Melon

Picasso melons are a seasonal, two-tone variety of muskmelon grown in Spain. The rind is splashed with irregular stripes and spots of yellow and green, giving them their unique name after the artist Pablo Picasso. But these melons offer more than an attractive aesthetic – they pack a powerful flavor punch that will bring you back for more! Here, we’ll share all you need to know about Picasso melons, from their nutritional benefits to the best ways to enjoy them.

What are Picasso Melons?

Picasso melons, also known as Santa Claus melons, are a two-tone variety of muskmelon (Cucumis melo). They have a yellow and green rind splashed with irregular stripes and spots. The flesh is bright orange and has a juicy texture. This special variety of melon is grown in Spain, specifically in the autonomous region of Murcia.

History and Origin of Picasso Melons: 

Picasso melons have been part of Spanish culture for centuries. They are believed to have originated in Murcia, an autonomous region on the eastern coast of Spain. The melons were known as ‘pintails’ or ‘painted ones,’ which is thought to be a reference to their unique striped and spotted rind. Over time, the name changed to ‘melones Picasso’ (‘Picasso melons’) in honor of the famous artist Pablo Picasso, whose work was often characterized by bold color combinations.

The popularity of Picasso melons spread across Europe during the Age of Discovery. In the sixteenth century, they were brought to Italy as a gift from Spanish explorers. They quickly gained favor among Italian farmers and soon became a staple in local markets. By the eighteenth century, they had become popular all over Europe, with traders bringing them to Britain and other countries.

Description of Kirby Cucumbers: 

Picasso melons are roughly spherical, with an average diameter of about 10-15 cm (3.9 – 5.9 inches). The rind is yellow and green, splashed with irregular stripes and spots. The flesh is bright orange in color and juicy in texture. It has a sweet flavor that tastes similar to cantaloupe. The seeds are small and edible, adding an extra flavor to the melon.

Flavor Profile of Picasso Melons:

Picasso melons are known for their sweet flavor and juicy texture. The melons have a light honeydew-like aroma with hints of citrus, apricot, and watermelon. The flesh is tender and juicy with plenty of natural sweetness. Eating Picasso melons can be likened to biting into a ripe peach – the flavors all work together perfectly. The seeds add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor to the melon. In addition, Picasso melons are often used in salads, smoothies, and desserts for extra flavor.

Health Benefits of Picasso Melons:

Picasso melons are a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and other essential minerals. They also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that can help fight off free radicals in the body. Eating Picasso melons regularly can promote a healthy immune system and aid digestion. The melons’ high water content also helps keep you hydrated and promotes healthy skin. Furthermore, Picasso melons are low in calories, making them a great snack for those watching their weight. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder why Picasso melons have become so popular.

Seasonality and Availability Throughout the Year of Picasso Melons:

Picasso melons are grown in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Mexico, and Spain. The peak season for Picasso melons is late summer and early fall. However, due to their popularity, they can be found year-round in some areas. They are often found at farmer’s markets or specialty stores carrying seasonal fruit.

Cultivation of the Picasso Melons: 

Picasso melons are usually grown from seed and thrive in warm, sunny climates. They require plenty of water to grow, so they should be planted in a well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. In addition, they should be given ample space to spread out their vines. Proper pruning is also important for the Picasso melon’s health and can help to ensure an abundant harvest.

Mulch should be applied around the base of the plant to retain moisture, and it is also important to provide support for the vines as they grow to prevent them from breaking or becoming damaged. Once ripe, Picasso melons can be easily harvested by hand and ready for consumption immediately.

Once harvested, Picasso melons can be stored at room temperature for a few days before they spoil. You can also store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer. To tell when Picasso melons are ripe, look for an orange-yellow hue on the skin and a sweet aroma from the flesh. If picked too early, you won’t get the full flavor of the melon, as it will need more time to ripen.

Overall, Picasso melons are a delicious and nutritious variety that can be enjoyed in various ways. They can be eaten raw, made into jams or sorbets, added to salads or drinks for sweetness and color, or even cooked as part of the sav.

Harvesting of the Picasso Melons: 

Picasso melons are easy to harvest when ripe, with the most obvious sign being the orange-yellow hue on the skin. It is important to pick these melons carefully, as bruising them can quickly lead to spoilage.

The best way to pick a Picasso melon is by using two hands and gently twisting the stem until it snaps off, ensuring that you leave behind the stem if you plan to store the melon for any length of time. Once harvested, it is important to immediately ensure that they are refrigerated or stored at room temperature to preserve their freshness and taste.

Picasso melons can be harvested when they have an orange-yellow hue on the skin and a sweet aroma from the flesh. If the melons are picked too early, they will not have had enough time to ripen and will lack sweetness and flavor. It is important to check that the stem of the melon is still attached before harvesting it, as this helps protect it from spoiling.

Picasso melons can be harvested multiple times throughout the season, with up to 3 or 4 harvests possible. Each time they are harvested, the melons should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This will help them retain their freshness and taste for longer and can also help reduce the wastage of your harvest.

Where Do Picasso Melons Grow? Region-wise

Picasso melons are native to the Mediterranean region and grow best in warm climates with high humidity. They thrive when grown on sandy soils and enjoy lots of sunlight. Due to their tropical origins, they can often grow in countries such as Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, or Italy.

In addition, I have also known the melons to grow in various other countries around the world. They are now grown commercially in Mexico, Peru, and Chile due to their popularity in recent years. Many farmers even use greenhouses or polytunnels to extend the melon’s growing season, as this can help them yield larger harvests.

Picasso melons can also be grown in the United States. Due to their warm climates, many farmers have successfully grown them in California, Arizona, and Florida. However, they tend to do best when grown during the summer when temperatures are at their highest. Picasso melons are incredibly versatile and can even be grown in containers or pots if you don’t have the luxury of a garden. However, they need plenty of room to sprawl and grow, so it is important to bear this in mind when planting them.

What are the Things to Remember When Buying Picasso Melons?

When buying Picasso melons, it is important to ensure that you are purchasing fresh, quality fruit. It would be best if you looked for a melon that is symmetrical in shape and has an even color throughout its skin. The stem end should also be slightly soft when lightly squeezed, indicating the melon is ripe and ready to eat.

It can be easy to be tempted by overly ripe melons, as these usually have a much sweeter flavor. However, it is important to remember that this can compromise both the melon’s freshness and quality.

Picasso melons should also be stored correctly to maintain their freshness for as long as possible. The best way to do this is to keep them in a cool and dry place, such as the refrigerator. If stored correctly, they can last for up to five days.

How to Store Picasso Melons? 

Picasso melons should be stored in a cool, dry place like the refrigerator. This will ensure that they stay fresh for up to five days. If you plan on storing them for longer than this, it is best to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in air-tight containers.

When cutting into a Picasso melon, it is important not to cut too deep, as this can cause the fruit to become overly soft and spoil. A shallow even cut will help preserve its freshness for longer.

How do you Use Picasso Melons with Other Fruits and Vegetables?

Picasso melons are extremely versatile and can be used in various dishes. They make a great addition to salads, smoothies, or fruit platters, as their sweet flavor complements other fruits and vegetables.

They can also be roasted, grilled, or added to sauces and jams for an extra sweetness. Picasso melons also pair well with cheese, making them a great addition to cheese platters and sandwiches.

No matter how you eat Picasso melons, their sweet and juicy flavor will make any dish a delicious treat! Furthermore, its high water content can help hydrate your body during the hot summer. So why give this unique fruit a try today?

Conclusion

Picasso melons are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways. With its sweet flavor, high water content, and long storage life, this unique melon will surely become a favorite addition to your kitchen! Why not give Picasso melons a try today? You won’t regret it! From salads to smoothies, grilling to roasting, you can enjoy this unique fruit in many delicious ways. Start experimenting today and find out why Picasso melons are so special!