The orange-fleshed honeydew is a hybrid variety of muskmelon created by crossing a green fleshed honeydew with a orange fleshed muskmelon. They are part of the honeydew group of cultivators botanically known as Cucumis melo inodorus. The orange-fleshed honeydew can also be found marketed under a variety of different names such as Temptation, Coup d' Orange, Orange Blossom, Orange Bowl, Orange Sherbet, Orange Dew, Orange County and Orange Delight. Though market testing has proven this melon to be superior in terms of quality, flavor and nutritional value over traditional muskmelon and honeydew types production of orange-fleshed honeydew is still limited as a result of a lack in consumer awareness resulting in low market demand.

The orange-fleshed honeydew is oval to round in shape. When ripe its skin is white to pale yellow-green in color, similar to common honeydews. Its salmon hued flesh however is more like that of a cantaloupe and is firm yet juicy offering a honey sweet melon flavor. When ripe the orange-fleshed honeydew will have a slightly sweet aroma and its blossom end will have a slight give when pressed. Unlike many other melons the orange-fleshed honeydew will continue to ripen after being picked from the vine.

Nutritional Value

The orange-fleshed honeydew has a notably high concentration of beta carotene, making it one of the most Vitamin C dense of honeydew melon varieties.

Serving Ideas

The orange-fleshed honeydew melon can be used in fresh or raw preparations, both sweet and savory. Fresh orange-fleshed honeydew can be used as a breakfast fruit and as a salad ingredient. It makes a perfect element in cold or fresh desserts. It also can be used as an ingredient in beverages such as smoothies, agua frescas and cocktails. Orange-fleshed honeydew pairs well with feta and goat cheeses, hazelnuts, blueberries, mint, basil, fruity olive oil, vinegar and citrus. Orange-fleshed honeydew may be substituted for cantaloupe in most applications. Once fully ripe the orange-fleshed honeydew will keep at room temperature for five to seven days. Once cut keep in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic or in an air tight container. Once cut honeydew varieties are known to easily absorb the scent of other items so keep away from pungent scented foods when storing.

Geography/History

One of the earliest documentations of the orange-fleshed honeydew melon appears in the Aggeler and Musser Seed Company catalog in 1929. Aggeler and Musser declared the melon to be superior in terms of color and flavor and tie its parenthood to the cross of a common honeydew with a popular muskmelon at the time, the Tip Top melon. As a result of continuous hybridization throughout dozens of countries for centuries, there are countless varieties of melons. Due to cross-pollination and in order to grow true cultivars, melons must be planted far away from other varieties to avoid accidental new melon crossbreeds. The orange-fleshed honeydew's cross pollination was purposely and purposefully intended to improve upon the honeydew and cantaloupe; their best attributes developed and highlighted within a singular variety. For instance the lack of a netted skin is preferable in this variety as it eliminates the risk of salmonella and other human pathogens that can be harbored in netted type melon's skin.

Seasons/Availability

Orange-fleshed honeydew melons are available in the summer months.