Cantaloupe melon

Melon

What it is

Named for Cantalupo, a papal estate outside Rome where the seed was first grown in Europe. In France Cavaillon claims it so completely that Alexandre Dumas willed the town his complete works in exchange for an annuity of twelve melons a year.

In the kitchen

Judge it by weight and by the scent at the stem end. A heavy melon that smells of nothing was picked far too early.

Goes with

Prosciutto di Parma Mint Black pepper Basil Lime Goat cheese Olive oil Honey

Same species

Cornichon Cucumber Honeydew melon Narazuke Salt-fermented dill cucumber

Also used with

Floc de Gascogne Pineau des Charentes Prosciutto di San Daniele Silver Needle white tea Vendée ham Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise

In season alongside

Bergeron apricot Apricot Blueberry Mara des Bois strawberry Greengage Jackfruit

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