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Blewah Melon
Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Blewah melon is a small to medium-sized fruit. It can have an elongated oval shape or a more rounded, squat shape depending on the cultivar. The thin, yellow rind has deep ribs spaced closely together and is covered in green spots, or mottling. The yellowish-orange flesh is soft, juicy and aromatic, offering hints of spice and clove. It has a medium-sized central cavity full of small, flat, tear-drop shaped seeds and fibers. Blewah melon is sweet and refreshing.
Seasons/Availability
Blewah melon is available in the late spring and through the summer months in Indonesia.
Current Facts
Blewah melon is a variety of cantaloupe only found in Indonesia. The word Blewah means “cantaloupe” in Indonesian. Botanically it is classified as Cucumis melo var cantalupensis and there are several different named cultivars, such as Bisma, Kretek, and Salvo, each with subtle differences in appearance and taste. Prices for Blewah melon increase during the Muslim religious month of Ramadan due to increased demand for the refreshing fruits.
Nutritional Value
Blewah melon is rich in beta carotene and potassium, and contains vitamins A, C and B6, as well as dietary fiber. Blewah melon has a low sugar content and has powerful antioxidants from flavonoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin.
Applications
In Indonesia, Blewah melon is used to make a refreshing iced fruit drink. The flesh of the melon is scraped into small strips and added to a warm simple syrup, then refrigerated and served over ice. The shredded melon is sometimes accompanied by mango, papaya or other fruits, or added flavorings in the simple syrup like pandan leaves. The melon can also be enjoyed fresh like any other cantaloupe variety. Store Blewah melon at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Blewah melon is referred to as ‘the fruit of Ramadan’. It is popular during the Muslim holy month that consists of daily fasting for 30 days until the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. Indonesians enjoy a refreshing iced fruit drink made from the melons, called es Blewah, to break the daily fast. Kretek Blewah is prized for its superb aroma and taste, and is harder to find than the Bisma cultivar and fetches a higher price during Ramadan.
Geography/History
Blewah melon is native to the Indonesian island of Java. They are also grown on a limited basis in Bali. Most Blewah melons are grown in East Java, where a large cultivar referred to as Garbis can also be found. The melons are grown once a year, specifically for Ramadan. This melon variety has grown on the island of Java for hundreds of years and was likely brought to the islands from Southeast Asia or India. Outside of Java and Bali, Blewah melon is very rare. They are most likely spotted in the markets of Jakarta, Semarang or Surabaya.
Recently Shared
People have shared Blewah Melon using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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superindo pejaten
Near Jakarta, Jakarta Capital Region, IndonesiaAbout a day ago, 3/25/23 Sharer's comments : blewah 
hari jari itc fatmawati
Near Pulo, Jakarta, IndonesiaAbout a day ago, 3/25/23 Sharer's comments : blewah 
total buah cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 339 days ago, 4/20/22 Sharer's comments : blewah 
superindo depok town centre
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 344 days ago, 4/15/22 Sharer's comments : blewah 
Super Indo Depok Town Center
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 555 days ago, 9/16/21 Sharer's comments : blewah 
Grand Lucky Superstore
Near Jakarta, Jakarta Capital Region, IndonesiaAbout 692 days ago, 5/02/21 Sharer's comments : blewah 
pasar parung
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 712 days ago, 4/12/21 Sharer's comments : blewah 
Super Indo Depok Town Center
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 716 days ago, 4/08/21 Sharer's comments : blewah |
