Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. There are endless types of melons for your enjoyment. And summer on the North Fork means they are in peak season. Whether you enjoy them on their own as a perfect breakfast or snack, as a side dish in a salad with dinner or as a healthy alternative for a sweet dessert, the versatility of melons is endless.
At Frisky Oyster in Greenport, chef Robby Beaver uses it alongside some amazing entrées.
“We typically offer a chicken Milanese with KK’s greens, taggiasca olives, and melon,” he said. “The melon offers a light and refreshing contrast in texture, flavor, and temperature to the rest of the dish.” Also on the menu is a chilled melon and mango soup poured over a crab avocado salad.
But food isn’t the only place Frisky Oyster likes to feature the melon.
“Our Melon Margarita with tequila, lime juice, agave, cilantro and Ancho Reyes [spicy liquor] is also a popular cocktail in summer,” he continued.
At home, Beaver recommends any kind of melon paired with a slice of prosciutto in a traditional caprese salad as an easy crowd pleaser. But sometimes, he keeps it even simpler than that.
“We love big bowls of various melons with breakfast, and any leftovers go into the blender and are poured into popsi- cle molds for our kids to enjoy,” he said. “Or maybe we add a splash of Croteaux Rosé champagne for adult popsicles.”
To get your fill of melons this summer season, head on over to Krupski Farms or look out for them at farm stands across the North Fork.
Melons Fun Facts
- In some parts of the world, melons are a symbol of fertility and vitality.
- 25% of the world’s melons come from China, which produces over eight million tons each year.
- The world’s most expensive melons are the Yubari King melons grown in a small region of Japan, often costing $20,000 for just one.
Health Benefits of Melons
- Melons are rich in vitamins C and B.
- They are high in potassium, iron, and phosphorus.
- Melons are also full of fiber, making them a filling snack.
