The lemon drop melon, Cucumis melo, is a member of the plant family Cucurbitaceae, along with all other melons, squashes and pumpkins. Melons are classified based on fruit character: surface and flesh. As melon varieties have been hybridized for centuries, though, it is often hard to distinguish between groups; however classification is based on several distinctions. The most common is winter, netted, cantaloupe, watermelon and gourd. The lemon drop is classified as a netted melon variety.

The lemon drop melon has the initial appearance of a classic Galia type melon: a netted rough cornflower gold peel with pale lime longitudinal grooves, a heavy weight for its size and when opened its thick, dense and succulent pale green flesh bears a central cluster of seeds which are easily removed. Unlike any other melon though, the lemon drop (true to its name) has no floral aromatics and not a trace of sub-acid sweetness, rather its flavors are filled with the overt signature sweet tartness of lemon, subtle hints of honeydew and watermelon, and due to its low sugar content, it displays no candied syrup qualities within its juices.

Serving Ideas

The lemon drop melon is best suited for fresh eating or pureed into a chilled summer soup, sorbet or cocktail beverage. Its sweet tart nature lends itself to pairing with sweeter melons, dried fruit, mild and spicy salad greens, ginger, chiles, seafood, proscuitto, tomatoes, feta, herbs such as basil and cilantro and nuts such as hazelnuts, pistachios and pepitas. Lemon drop melons will keep at room temperature for up to a week once fully ripe. Cut melon should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container and consumed within four days.

Geography/History

The lemon drop melon is the hybrid result of successive breeding efforts of marrying wild melon varieties with high citric acid content and sweet Galia melons. It was developed in the late 20th Century by Martori Farms of Arizona, United States. Martori grows and distributes the lemon drop melon under the brand "Kandy".

Seasons/Availability

Available during the summer months.