The Best of Summer -Melons!

Kristen Mowers, CalSERVES Nutrition Coordinator

Just the Facts

• On average, it takes about 10 to 15 bee visits for proper pollination to grow melons.
• By weight, the watermelon is the most common melon consumed in America, followed by the cantaloupe and honeydew melon.
• There are many varieties of the “western shipping type” cantaloupe, but since consumers cannot differentiate between them, they are marketed under the general name as “cantaloupe.”
• There are four main varieties of watermelon: allsweet, ice-box, seedless, and yellow flesh. 

Melon Salsa

Serving Size: 1/4 cup Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups seeded and chopped fresh melon, honeydew, cantaloupe or watermelon, (use one kind or a combination)

1 cup peeled, seeded and chopped cucumber

1/4 cup chopped onion, red or white

2 Tablespoons fresh, chopped cilantro or mint (optional)

1/2 - 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeño or hot sauce to taste

1/4 cup lime juice or lemon juice

1 Tablespoon sugar, white or brown

Instructions:

1. In a medium size bowl, stir together all ingredients.
2. Taste and season with more lemon or lime juice, sugar if needed.
3. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. Serve with grilled or broiled fish or chicken.

Caution: When handling hot peppers, the oils can cause burning and skin irritation. You can wear clean kitchen gloves or wash hands thoroughly after preparing. KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM EYES.

Calories 15, Fat 0g, Sodium 0g, Sugar 3g, Protein 0g