Tigger Melon

Photo: flickr user Rubber Slippers In Italy

About

The Tigger Melon is a rare melon that develops yellow and orange stripes after ripening. It grows to be the size of a baseball and weighs about one pound. They have a white, seedy flesh and are bland in taste. However, it is very fragrant. They are great for decoration.

Information

Other names: Cucumis Melo

Translations: Tīģeri Melon, Tigras Melon, Tigger dinja, Cọp Melon, Teigetje Melon, Tigger तरबूज, Тигра дыни, Tigger Πεπόνι, تيغر البطيخ, Tigger 멜론, 跳跳虎甜瓜, Tigger Melón, Tigger Melona, Tigger Melone, טיגר מלון, Тиггер Диња, ティガーメロン, Tigrou Melon, Tigger Meló, Тигра дині, Tiikeri Melon, Тигърчо пъпеш

Physical Description

The melons are yellow with brilliant fire-red, zigzag stripes golden color flesh melons. The flesh is white and is very sweet.

Colors: Yellow, white

Tasting Notes

Flavors: Sweet

Mouthfeel: Juicy

Food complements: Sugar, Other fruits

Wine complements: Moscato

Beverage complements: Tea

Substitutes: Cantaloupe

Selecting and Buying

Choosing: Melons should give to gentle pressure at the blossom end and smell sweet. Hard melons should sound hollow when knocked with a knuckle. Avoid any melons with lumps or soft spots and watermelons with a flat side.

Buying: Farmer's markets

Procuring: Grown from a vine, much like watermelon.

Preparation and Use

Cut in half and scoop out the seeds. Remove skin if desired and cut into wedges, balls, or slices. Eat plain with sprinkled sugar, or use as a table top decoration.

Cleaning: Wash well with cool, clean water and dry.

Conserving and Storing

Keep uncut melons at room temperature until fully ripened, then refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before cutting, wash the skin well. Cut melon can be refrigerated, wrapped tightly in plastic, up to 3 days.