Prescott fond blanc melons, botanically known as Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis ‘prescott fond blanc’ are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. This French heirloom variety melon is a true cantaloupe or rock melon variety and is sometimes also referred to as a White Bottom melon. It is considered to be one of the best flavored of the French heirloom melons still grown today.

The prescott fond blanc melon has a round, squat shape similar to that of a pumpkin and typically weighs five to ten pounds. Its exterior skin is segmented by vertical ridges and oftentimes covered in large lumpy warts. Like all true cantaloupe melons the skin of the prescott fond blanc is smooth and lacks the netting that is signature to muskmelon varieties. When on the vine its skin will have a pale green hue and once ripe will turn creamy white to straw yellow in color. Its inner flesh has a salmon orange hue with a dense and juicy texture. When ripe its flesh will have a sweet melon flavor and aroma with notes of honey.

Serving Ideas

A sweet melon the Prescott Found Blanc is best suited for fresh preparations. It works well in both sweet and savory salads. Pureed it can be used to make beverages, ice creams and sorbets or puddings and tart fillings. The prescott fond blanc melon can be used as a substitute in recipes where traditional cantaloupe is called for. Its sweet melon flavor marries well with feta and goat cheeses, arugula, basil, mint, citrus, blueberries, pistachios and hazelnuts, balsamic, cream and cured pork. This melon keeps well at room temperature and is best eaten within a week of reaching ripeness. Cut melon will keep in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic for up to three days.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In the late 1800’s French craftsmen created ice cream molds modeled after the popular Prescott variety of melon. The molds were used to make frozen desserts in colors that resembled the popular melon. Today these molds are sought after as collectors’ items.

Geography/History

The prescott fond blanc melon is a cantaloupe variety melon native to France. In the 1860s it was a popular variety found in home gardens and French markets. In France the variety is known as Cantaluppi, the name of the town near Rome where cantaloupe type melons were first grown in the 1400’s. Similar to other cantaloupe variety melons the prescott fond blanc melon thrives in full sun and dry, warm to hot growing conditions. For a sweeter fruit growers should allow only one melon per vine while ripening. Unlike muskmelons, cantaloupe variety melons will not slip from the vine once ripe and must be cut from their vine. If allowed to ripen fully on the ground while still on the vine prescott fond blanc will develop an earthy taste. For a sweeter flavor pick prescott fond blanc melons once they are close to ripe then allow to fully ripen on a counter or windowsill at room temperature.

Seasons/Availability

Prescott fond blanc melons are available in the summer months.