Fruit of the Month: Melons!

Can you think of one type of fruit that most people enjoy during the summer?  Melons are a great summer food that is juicy and tastes great! There are different types of melons -- cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew are the most common types found in Maryland.  Melons are a great source of Vitamin C and potassium.

How to select:

1. Look at the outer shell of the melon.  Select melons that do not have any cracks, scrapes, or bruises.
2. Look at the color of the melon.  If there is any green or white coloring -- the melon is probably not ripe enough to eat yet.
3. Check the stem of the melon.  If you are able to  press just a little into the stem, the fruit is ripe.  If it is still hard -- the melon is not ripe enough.
4. If you choose a melon that is not ripe enough -- allow it to sit on a the counter for a few days to ripen.

How to prepare:

• Wash the outside of the melon with cold water before slicing.
• Cut melons should be placed in a container with a lid and stored in the refrigerator.
• Let your child help prepare.  They can scoop melon into ball with a melon baller.

Ways to serve melons:

• Fruit kabobs -- put different types of melons on a skewer and serve with low-fat yogurt. 
• Mix with other fruits into a fruit salad.
• Serve for dessert.  You can even add frozen yogurt or low-fat ice cream for a special treat.

Here are some great recipes to try with melons:

Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip
Fruit Slush
Melon Salsa