Summer Kiss Melon: Taste, Nutrition, And Benefits

Summer Kiss Melon is a unique variety of melons developed by the United States Department of Agriculture. It is an early maturing melon that can be grown in many climates and soil types.

Summer Kiss Melons have a sweet flavor and juicy texture, making them perfect for salads, desserts, or eating out of hand. They are low in calories, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Let’s take a closer look at this delicious melon!

What is Summer Kiss Melon?

Summer Kiss Melon is a type of melon that was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2004. It is a hybrid variety created by crossing two different types of melons, resulting in a unique flavor and texture. The fruit has a yellow-green rind with pale green stripes or spots. Inside the thick rind is a juicy, sweet flesh that tastes like honeydew and cantaloupe.

History and Origin of Summer Kiss Melon

Summer Kiss Melon, or SKM for short, is a hybrid melon variety developed by experts at the United Fruit Company. It’s characterized by its vibrant yellow color and sweet taste. The flavor profile is often described as honey-like with pineapple and cantaloupe notes. It’s believed to be an offspring of the more common honeydew melon.

SKM is grown in many parts of the world, including Latin America, Africa, and Asia. This variety is mainly produced in California and Arizona in the United States. It’s harvested from May through August when it’s at its peak sweetness. The popularity of Summer Kiss Melons has steadily increased over the years, and now it’s considered one of the most sought-after melon varieties in the world. This makes it a prized commodity for farmers, who benefit from its high prices due to its limited availability.

Description of the Summer Kiss Melon

The Summer Kiss Melon is a juicy, sweet melon with a unique flavor. It has a bright yellow-orange rind and is round. Its flesh is deep orange, covered with tiny black seeds. The Summer Kiss Melon can grow up to 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter and weigh up to 1 kg (2.2 pounds). It has a sweet, juicy taste and is often used in salads, desserts, or snacks.

The Summer Kiss Melon can also be cooked like a vegetable and added to soups, stews, stir-fries, and other dishes. Its refreshing flavor makes it the perfect summer fruit.

Cultivation of the Summer Kiss Melon

The Summer Kiss Melon requires a full sun position to grow and develop properly and should be planted after the year’s last frost. When planting, space each seedling or starter plant around 70-90cm (27-35in) apart. Water regularly and mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture in the soil.

To maximize yields, it is important to support the melons as they grow; this can be done by providing a trellis or netting to hold them off the ground. In addition, fruit should be harvested when it has turned from green to orange and is slightly soft to the touch. Remove any over-ripened fruits, as they will not ripen further and are more prone to disease or pests.

Finally, when the season is finished, it is important to clean up any remaining stems and vines from the site and discard them from the garden area. This will help reduce pest buildup for next year’s crop. With a little tender loving care, Summer Kiss Melons can be a delicious and rewarding crop.

Harvesting of the Summer Kiss Melon

Once the melons have reached the mature size and their color has turned to a vibrant yellow, it is time to harvest the Summer Kiss Melon. Carefully cut the melon from its vine with pruning shears or scissors, then place the fruit in a basket or container for transport. Handle each melon delicately, as they are fragile and can bruise or rot easily. The melons should be refrigerated as soon as possible and consumed within a few days of harvesting for the best flavor and texture. 

What are the Health Benefits of the Summer Kiss Melon?

Summer Kiss Melons are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. They are also a good source of many other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. The fruit is low in calories but contains significant amounts of natural sugars, providing a sweet taste without the added sugar in processed food or beverages. Summer Kiss Melons are a nutritious and tasty snack option that can be incorporated into salads, smoothies, or even desserts.

What does Summer Kiss Melon Taste like?

Summer Kiss Melon has a sweet and juicy flavor, reminiscent of a cantaloupe but with a unique tropical twist. The flesh is light pink in color and creamy in texture. It’s often described as having hints of honeydew, citrus, mango, or pineapple. Its sweetness makes it perfect for snacking, salads, fruit, and smoothies. Its light flavor also pairs well with other fruits, allowing for endless possibilities in the kitchen. Enjoy Summer Kiss Melon as a refreshing treat, or pair it with other fruits to create an out-of-this-world summertime experience.

Where Does Summer Kiss Melon Grow? 

Summer kiss melon is grown in many regions worldwide, including India, China, Thailand, and parts of the United States. In India, it is especially popular in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. In China, it grows best in Yunnan province. In Thailand, it is widely cultivated in Chiang Mai and Southwestern provinces.

In the United States, it is mostly grown in California and Texas.

Depending on the specific climate conditions, each region will have a different yield, size, flavor, and growth period. Summer kiss melon is also grown commercially in many other parts of the world, such as Israel, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mexico, and Peru. No matter where it is grown, summer kiss melon always offers a deliciously sweet flavor that makes it a favorite among many.

Where can the Best Quality Summer Kiss Melon be Found?

The best quality Summer Kiss Melon can be found at local farmers’ markets, specialty grocers, and select online retailers. Visiting a local farmers’ market is the way to go for those looking for freshly picked melons. Many of these markets have vendors specializing in locally grown produce, so you’ll surely find an abundance of fresh summer kiss melons.

Specialty grocers also sell the melons, though their selection may be less varied. Lastly, select online retailers are beginning to offer summer kiss melons for delivery or pick-up. Though these may not be freshly picked from a local farm, they can still provide a great quality option if you need access to one of the other sources. With a little research, you’ll surely find the best quality summer kiss melon.

What are the things you need to keep in mind when buying Summer Kiss Melon?

First, it is important to select a ripe and ready-for-consumption melon. Look for one that has smooth skin with no blemishes or bruises. It should also be firm to the touch but not rock-hard. A soft spot near the stem indicates ripeness. Additionally, you should smell the melon before purchasing it – if it has a sweet, fragrant scent, it is likely ripe and ready to enjoy.

Second, make sure the melon is heavy for its size. This means that it will be juicy and flavorful. If the Summer Kiss Melon feels light or hollow when held in your hands, you should avoid buying it as it may be overripe or dried out.

Finally, take the time to inspect the melon carefully. The darker green color of Summer Kiss Melons is a sign that it has been ripened on the vine and is ready for consumption. It may not be ripe if it is an unusually light green or yellowish color.

What is the best way to Store Summer Kiss Melon?

The Summer Kiss Melon should be stored in the refrigerator. The melon should be stored in a sealed plastic bag or container to help retain moisture and keep it fresh for longer. It is best to consume the fruit within three days of purchase, as it will age quickly after that point. It is also important to keep the melon away from other strong-smelling fruits or vegetables, as the aroma can be transferred to the melon.

To extend its shelf-life further, wrap it in plastic and store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. If you need to store it for longer than three days, freezing is an effective alternative. Cut into wedges and place them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store the wedges in a sealed plastic container or bag. Enjoy your Summer Kiss Melon.

What are some delicious Recipes featuring Summer Kiss Melon?

1. Summer Kiss Melon and Avocado Salad: Combine diced Summer Kiss melon, avocado, red onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and salt in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before serving over greens or alone as a side dish.
2. Summer Kiss Melon Gazpacho: Blend Summer Kiss melons with tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, garlic, and onion until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and thin with chicken or vegetable stock as needed. Serve chilled with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.
3. Summer Kiss Melon Popsicles: Blend Summer Kiss melon puree with fresh berries, yogurt, and honey until smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least four hours. 

Conclusion

Summer Kiss Melon is a sweet and juicy melon with a unique flavor. It is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge or frozen for a longer shelf life. Many delicious recipes featuring Summer Kiss Melon include salads, gazpachos, and popsicles. Enjoy your Summer Kiss, Melon!