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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
The Charentais is a petite-sized melon averaging 2 to 3 pounds in weight. It has a smooth, hard, pistachio-grey colored skin and distinct green ribbing. Its dense flesh is salmon-orange and surrounds a central seed cavity. The succulent yet firm flesh is incredibly sweet and gives off highly fragrant aromas of tropical fruit and floral notes. Its delicious flavor and robust scent must be appreciated at its height of maturity as it has a delicate and short shelf-life.
Seasons/Availability
Charentais melons are available during the summer months. Mexico exports Charentais melons during the winter months.
Current Facts
Charentais melons, also known as French cantaloupes, are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and botanically classified as Cucumis melo cantalupensis. They fall under the muskmelon genus and are a highly valued yet low production farmers market variety of cantaloupe that are too delicate for commercial shipping. Unlike another famous french melon, the Cavaillon, Charentais melons are not protected by an AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée) which designates by law specific growing regions. Therefore, Charentais melons can legally be grown anywhere.
Nutritional Value
Charentais melons are a good source of beta-carotene, folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Applications
The Charentais melon should only be used in raw preparations as it is not suited well for cooking. Appropriate for both sweet and savory dishes, it is an excellent compliment to salty meats and cheeses or simply eaten fresh as a sweet snack. The Chanterais melon can be used as a breakfast fruit and as a salad ingredient and makes a great addition to both drinks and desserts. Charentais melon pairs well with feta and goat cheeses, almonds and hazelnuts, mint, citrus, port, muscat and cured pork. It may be used in recipes similarly to cantaloupe. Once ripe, it is highly perishable and must be kept refrigerated until ready to use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
An annual festival the town of Saint-Georges-des-Coteaux honors the Charentais melon.
Geography/History
The Charentais originated in the 1920's in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France. It was developed as a refined cantaloupe, free of natural and highly occurring warts of its parent varieties. Though the Charentais originated in France much of the Charentais melons consumed in France are now imported from North Africa. There is limited production of Charentais melons in the United States.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Charentais Melon. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Charentais Melon using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 322 days ago, 6/20/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 323 days ago, 6/18/20 Sharer's comments : Charentais French Cantaloupe Melons in Season Now! 🍈 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock st. San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 324 days ago, 6/17/20 Sharer's comments : Charentais melons! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 324 days ago, 6/17/20 
Bristol Farms South Pasadena
Bristol Farms South Pasadena
Near South Pasadena, California, United States606 Fair Oaks Ave South Pasadena CA 91030 626-441-5450 https://www.bristolfarms.com About 461 days ago, 2/01/20 Sharer's comments : Very nice and petite. 
Hudson Greens & Goods
Hudson Greens And Goods - Oxbow Publix Market
Near Napa, California, United States610 1st Street #18 Napa CA 94559 707-257-6828 www.oxbowpublicmarket.com About 644 days ago, 8/02/19 |
