PEPINO MELON

The Pepino melon, once found only in Peru, is now also grown in Ecuador, New Zealand, California and other subtropical climates. Shaped like a teardrop, the exotic Pepino melon has a soft, edible golden skin with distinctive purple and greenish-yellow striping. The flesh of the Pepino melon is valued for its light, pleasant scent of vanilla and notes of honey. Surprisingly, the flavor is a delicate combination of cantaloupe and honeydew melon combined. Pepino melon's are often enjoyed in fruit or spinach salads or simply cut in half and served individually, topped with a sprinkling of fresh lemon or lime juice and chile powder.