French kiss® melons are a hybrid variety of the French Chantarais melon and a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. A cross of a French Chantarais melon and a long shelf life western shipper melon the French kiss® melon is a hybrid of a true French cantaloupe variety botanically known as Cucumis melo cantalupensis.

French kiss® melons are a petit-sized melon with a thin rind. Their exterior resembles a cross between a Tuscan cantaloupe and a regular cantaloupe, with a much less pronounced striping than the typical Tuscan variety. When ripe, the rind turns straw-green in color. The orange flesh is succulent, dense, fragrant, creamy and sweet with a small tight central seed cavity. French kiss® melons score thirteen to seventeen percent on the Brix scale, the commonly used method of measuring sweetness in fruits.

Nutritional Value

Orange-fleshed melons provide an excellent source of beneficial beta-carotene.

Serving Ideas

Use French kiss® melons where ever a recipe calls for cantaloupe. Puree diced cantaloupe with yogurt, honey, ginger and basil until combined and serve as a cold, sweet soup. Puree cantaloupe and fold into no-yeast bread batter, then bake until browned. Finely diced cantaloupe, red onion and green chile, add lime juice and chopped celery and serve as a fresh salsa. This melon's shelf life is twenty-eight days, about twice the normal shelf life of melons. The French kiss® melon develops its peak flavor when its has been at room temperature one to three days.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

It is claimed by food historians that the French were the first to cultivate netted melons. They referred to melons as "sucrins" which, fittingly, means "sugar".

Geography/History

French kiss® melons are grown exclusively by Arizona-based melon grower, Sandstone Marketing. The French kiss® melon's heritage can be traced to the Charentais region of France, the warmer climate of southern France which was the most favorable region for growing melons.

Seasons/Availability

French kiss® melons are available spring through fall.