Region of Origin
Commodity:
Pepino Melon
Description & Origin
Pepino melons are small oval-shaped fruits that grow on evergreen shrubs. They are not actually melons, but rather nightshades related to tomatoes and peppers. Their smooth, almost velvety skin is pale cream with light purple streaks when harvested, ripening to a golden-yellow with deeper purple spots. Inside, the flesh can range from pale yellow to vivid yellow-orange. There is a small cavity ins...
Other Names
Pepino Dulce, Melon Pear
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Pepino melons are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C, and K. They also contain iron, zinc, copper, manganese, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. In traditional medicine, pepino melons have been used as a remedy for diabetes, hypertension, and stomach problems.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Pepino melon is most often eaten when fully ripe and sweet, but it can also be eaten when firm and underripe in the same way a cucumber would be. When ripe and mildly sweet, pepino melon can be used like a honeydew or cantaloupe. At this stage it is often peeled as the skin can be somewhat bitter and detract from the eating experience. The flesh can be scooped, sliced, or diced and added to fruit salads, salsas, smoothies, yogurt, and more. Try lightly grilling or serving with prosciutto for a fun twist on classic melon dishes.
Flavor Pairings
Lemon, Lime, Muskmelon, Coconut, Spinach, Basil, Honey
How to Prepare
Wash the fruit well before use. Cut in half to expose the flesh and scoop out the seeds inside. The flesh can be scooped out, sliced, diced, etc. The skin is edible but can be removed if desired.
How to Store in the Kitchen
If the pepino melons are not fully ripe yet, store at room temperature until they reach the desired stage of ripeness. They can also be kept in a closed paper bag to speed up the ripening process, much like a banana. Once fully ripe, store pepino melons in the refrigerator.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
The skin and seeds of pepino melon are entirely edible! Use whenever a lightly bitter flavor is desired, or just throw into a smoothie.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
45-50°F
TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
40-54°F (Cool Storage)
CHILLING INJURY:
Yes – if stored below 45°F, when returned to higher temperatures pepino may have pitting and browning. Fully ripe fruit is less susceptible to chilling injury.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
90-95%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes-Low
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes-Medium
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Exposure to ethylene can increase rates of ripening in unripe fruit, but has little effect on ripe fruit.
RIPENS AFTER HARVEST:
Yes
PROFESSIONAL RIPENING RECOMMENDED:
No
Quality Assessment
Pepino melon should have smooth skin, consistent shape, and be free from defects such as sunburn or excessive scarring. The fruit should be juicy, lightly sweet, and aromatic.
Important Handling
Be especially aware of the storage temperature of pepino melon as chilling injury may not display until after fruit is returned to proper storage temperature.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling pepino melons may last up to 4 weeks.
