Pepino melons are not really melons; they are the fruit of a South American evergreen and actually related to the tomato and the eggplant. Sometimes they are called tree melons, or melon pears. They have been cropping up in the grocery store lately and we were intrigued by the beautiful stripes and teardrop shape.
The melon is about the size of a hand, almond-shaped and firm. It will usually have beautiful purple streaks on a yellow skin. As it ripens it gives off a deep, sweet smell - rather like a cantaloupe.
The fruit is easily cut in half; the skin is thin and there is no central pit - just a small cluster of edible seeds surrounded by pale orange fruit.
To be honest, we weren't crazy about the taste of the pepino melon. It has a soft, mealy texture that is watery like a cucumber, and a pale, almost vegetable taste. The flavor is like a very faint cantaloupe or honeydew. We may have let it over-ripen, too.
We did read that the fruit is best poached in honey or sugar to cut down on its acidity. It also is a fruit that is often enjoyed in Japan, where its understated flavor is often used in subtle ways.
(Image credit: All images Faith Hopler for Apartment Therapy)
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My 3-year old son convinced me to pick up one of these tiny $4 melons. I wasn't impressed, but he seemed to enjoy it.
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The flesh shouldn't be mealy, it should be firm and sweet, a little crisper than a canteloupe. Be sure to eat the seeds, they are the most flavorful part. And I would NEVER cook or poach one of these!
My mom's Chilean, and these are one of my favorite fruits from there. Sometimes a guy at the Santa Barbara Farmer's Market has them (they start to go into season in another month or so....they are a winter fruit as far as I know)...if you ever want really fresh ones, go to him. He also sells Proteas, avocados, and persimmons, all in big yellow plastic tubs.
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