Are you dying to know how to pick a honeydew melon?

Selecting a ripe honeydew melon is key to enjoying its sweet, juicy flavor. Below we share some of our biggest tips and tricks to picking the perfect melon. 

We also explain how to cut, store and freeze honeydew melon to make sure that it has the longest shelf life possible.

Let’s dive in…

What Is A Honeydew Melon?

A honeydew melon is a sweet, juicy fruit that is part of the cantaloupe family. It has smooth, pale yellow or greenish skin. And it has a sweet, light green flesh inside. 

Honeydew is known for its refreshing flavor and high water content. It is often enjoyed fresh in fruit salads, smoothies, or as a healthy snack. 

It’s rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice. They are best when fully ripe. 

What Percentage Water Is Honeydew Melon?

A honeydew melon is approximately 90% water making it a great source of hydration.

Related: Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables

When Is Honeydew Melon In Season?

Honeydew melon is typically in season from late spring through early fall, with peak availability from June to September. During this time, you’ll find the freshest, ripest melons at markets. However, thanks to import markets, you are able to enjoy honeydew melon year round.

Signs Of A Ripe Honeydew Melon

Below are some tips to tell if a honeydew melon is ripe:

Color: The skin should have a creamy, pale yellow color with no green patches. This indicates that the melon is mature and ripe.

Texture: The surface should be smooth and slightly waxy. 

Feel: It should feel heavy for its size, suggesting juiciness.

Stem End: Gently press on the stem end; it should yield slightly, indicating ripeness.

Aroma: A sweet, fragrant smell at the stem end is a good sign that the melon is ripe and ready to eat.

If you look for all of these signs, it will help you pick a  delicious and ripe melon.

How To Cut Honeydew Melon

Wash the Melon: Rinse the honeydew under cool water.

Slice Off the Ends: Place the melon on a cutting board and carefully slice off both ends to create a flat surface.

Peel (Optional): You can leave the skin on, but if you prefer, you can use a knife to cut along the edges to remove.

Cut in Half: Stand the melon upright and cut it in half lengthwise.

Remove Seeds: Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from each half.

Slice into Wedges: Lay each half cut-side down and slice it into wedges or smaller pieces, depending on your preference.

Storing Honeydew Melon

Store Whole In Fridge

To store a whole honeydew melon, place it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, as this helps maintain its freshness. Ideally, keep it at room temperature if you plan to consume it within two days. 

For longer storage, the honeydew melon should be placed whole in the refrigerator. Whole melons can last up to a week in the fridge.

Store Cut Honeydew Melon

To store cut honeydew melon, place the pieces in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out and to maintain their flavor. If you don’t have a container, you can cover the cut side with plastic wrap. 

Store the container in the refrigerator, where the cool temperatures will help keep the melon fresh. It’s best to consume cut honeydew within 3 to 5 days for optimal taste and texture. 

Can You Freeze Honeydew Melon?

Yes, you can freeze honeydew melon to enjoy at a later time. Please check out our tips and tricks:

Prep. Wash and cut up the honeydew melon into your desired cut (slices, chunks, diced, etc.).. Cut into slices, small chunks, or Next, let the honeydew pieces dry out for about 15 minutes. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel to speed up the process

Pre-freeze. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread out the chunks of melon in a single layer. Then, put the baking sheet in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours or until the fruit pieces freeze solid. 

Transfer. Take the baking sheet out of the freezer, and transfer the fruit into a freezer bag. Squeeze out any extra air. Remember to label the bag with a date.

Freeze. Place in your freezer. It can last for up to one year.

Ways To Enjoy Honeydew Melon

• Hazelnut Fruit Salad
• Melon Sorbet Float
• Cucumber Melon Salad
• Ice Cream Cone Fruit Salad
• Fruit Salad Bowl

For more honeydew melon recipes and ideas, follow us on Pinterest and Instagram.