Black Blewah Melons
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Black Blewah melons are generally small to medium in size and have a round to oval shape with blunt, curved ends. The variety features prominent suture lines, also known as ribs or grooves, extending the length of the fruit, and these lines showcase tan to pale yellow hues. The remainder of the rind is a dark green, almost black coloring, creating a stark contrast. The rind is semi-thin, firm, and lightly textured, occasionally featuring patches of dark green and orange mottling around the ends of the fruit. Underneath the surface, the pale salmon-orange flesh is dense, semi-firm, aqueous, tender, and succulent when ripe. The flesh also encases a hollow, central cavity filled with cream-colored to orange, flat, oval seeds between stringy fibers. Black Blewah melons emit a fragrant, sweet, fruity, and floral aroma when ripe. Select aromatic fruits with a slight give when the stem end is gently pressed. This is a sign of ripeness. The variety should also feel heavy for its size, indicating juice content. Black Blewah melons are edible raw once mature and have a refreshing, sweet taste combined with musky, fruity, floral, and honeyed nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Black Blewah melons are available year-round in Indonesia.
Current Facts
Black Blewah melons, botanically classified as Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis, are a specialty variety belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Blewah melons are a type of fruit primarily localized to Indonesia, and the name “Blewah” roughly translates from Indonesian to mean “Cantaloupe.” Despite this translation, Blewah melons are considered similar to the cantaloupe types found worldwide but differ by exhibiting varying rind textures. Several types of Blewah melons are sold in Indonesian markets, and Black Blewah is a rarer type. Melons are prevalent throughout Indonesian fresh markets and are celebrated for their refreshing nature and sweet taste. Black Blewah melons are a delicacy valued for their unusual dark rind coloring. The variety is also sought for its versatility, used in a wide array of fresh or cooked culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
Black Blewah melons have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Melons, in general, are a source of vitamins A, C, and K to maintain healthy organs, strengthen the immune system, and aid in faster wound healing. Melons also provide fiber to aid digestion and minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, and manganese. Potassium assists the body in balancing fluid levels, while magnesium helps control daily nerve functions. Calcium and phosphorus support bone and teeth development, zinc contributes to the building of cells and tissues, and copper helps in making red blood cells. In Indonesia, melons are revered for their high water content. The flesh is consumed as a source of hydration on warm days and is believed to help replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.
Applications
Black Blewah melons have a sweet, fruity taste suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety can be used interchangeably with other types of Blewah melons in recipes, and it is recommended to be cleaned before use. Scrub the rind with soap and water to remove bacteria before slicing, as cutting into unclean rinds can spread germs into the flesh. Once cleaned, Black Blewah melons can be sliced and eaten out of hand, discarding the rind. The variety is favored for its juicy nature and is often served as a refreshing snack. Black Blewah melons can also be diced and added to green salads and fruit medleys, or blended into juices, shakes, and smoothies. Try blending and freezing the melons into homemade ice cream and sorbet or adding the fruit into rujak, an Indonesian fruit salad. In addition to fresh preparations, Black Blewah melons are occasionally cooked into puddings and custards or simmered into jams and jellies. The variety is also sliced into thin strips and served as garnishes over various desserts. Black Blewah melons pair well with cinnamon, basil, mint, condensed milk, and fruits like coconut, mangos, guavas, pineapples, limes, and oranges. Whole, unwashed Black Blewah melons should be ripened at room temperature for several days. Once mature, it is recommended to immediately consume the melons for the best quality and flavor. Black Blewah melons can also be kept in the fridge for two weeks when unopened. When sliced, they can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for 1 to 4 days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Blewah melons are famous for their use in desserts and drinks prepared for family gatherings. The melon’s high-water content is viewed as a healthy food to eat after breaking fasts, especially during Ramadan, as it is a natural way to replenish the body with necessary fluids. Blewah melons are specifically grown to arrive in markets during Ramadan, which is a holy month according to the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is a time of fasting to honor the period in which the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and provides cleansing to the body and soul. Fasting families and friends come together each day at sundown to break their fast. This is a celebratory gathering centered around communal foods. Blewah melons are traditionally made into Es Blewah, a dessert-like dish made from finely sliced Blewah melon chilled in a mixture of ice, jellies, milk, juice, and syrups. There are many variations of Es Blewah, and the dish symbolizes warmth and community when served at sundown during Ramadan.
Geography/History
Black Blewah melons are a melon native to Indonesia. Much of the variety’s history is unknown beyond the melon being a part of the larger Blewah category. Indonesian melon varieties, including Blewah, are thought to be descendants of melons native to Persia and Western Asia. These ancient melon types were later spread to Southeast Asia and were introduced into Indonesia sometime around the 16th century. Trade and shipping routes largely contributed to the melon’s spread to regions worldwide. Today, Black Blewah melons are a rarer type of Blewah that is not commonly found in commercial markets. The variety is sold through local vendors in fresh markets, especially on the island of Java in Indonesia.
