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Produce Briefs...
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
Origami cantaloupes have the signature rough, tannish, netted skin of other cantaloupe varieties and range in size from 8 to 12 centimeters in diameter. Unlike other cantaloupes the Origami cantaloupe is prized for its thin rind and smaller seed cavity thus giving it more edible flesh. The orange flesh is succulent, juicy and sweet. When ripe the Origami cantaloupe has one of the strongest floral musky aromas of any cantaloupe. For best flavor pick cantaloupes that have a full slip, raised netting and a sweet aroma.
Seasons/Availability
Origami cantaloupes are available in the late spring through fall months.
Current Facts
Origami cantaloupes are botanically known as Cucumis melo reticulatus and belong to the Cucurbitaceae family. A fairly new cantaloupe variety, the Origami cantaloupe was introduced by Legend Produce in the United States in the late 2000s. Due to its popularity, the production of the Origami cantaloupes has doubled every year since 2013 and has become the number one produced cantaloupe by Legend Produce. Growers have credited its popularity to its extended shelf life, allowing for better commercial transportation without any loss of quality to the cantaloupes. Its thinner rind and exceptionally sweet flavored are also positive attributes. The cantaloupe ranges from 8 to 16 on the Brix scale with 8 being the poorest score. The average cantaloupe receives about a 14, with the Origami cantaloupe getting between 16 and 18 on the Brix test.
Nutritional Value
Origami cantaloupes are an excellent source of vitamin A and C. They also provide dietary fiber potassium and folate.
Applications
Origami cantaloupes are most often used in fresh or raw preparations, both sweet and savory. They can be added to breakfast fruit or any salad. The sweet flavor of Origami cantaloupes work well in beverages or in chilled applications such as popsicles and sorbets. Origami cantaloupe pairs well with feta and goat cheeses, almonds and hazelnuts, mint, citrus and cured pork. They will keep well at room temperature. Wash before use. Once cut, any unused cantaloupe should be wrapped and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The cantaloupe is the most popular melon in the United States. About 75% of all cantaloupes produced in the United States come from California. Since 2011, food safety initiatives have increased for cantaloupes. Origami cantaloupes are grown according to the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board’s mandatory program and complies with its 156-checkpoint audit.
Geography/History
Origami cantaloupe began with a seed trial in 2004. Produce company; Legend Produce was trying to find a cantaloupe variety that would replace the Impac, which at the time was the number one grown cantaloupe variety. Impac cantaloupes however did not have a great shelf life and encountered issues during transportation. Now, the Origami cantaloupe grows in Arizona and California and makes up about 60% of all produce grown by Legend.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Origami Cantaloupe Melon. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
