Asia has a big fat family of melons. Korean Melon is one member of muskmelons, but an uncommon one. People also often name it, “Oriental Melon” or a “Chamoe”.

Silk road took this member of the muskmelon family straight to china. Back in history, it is said that Korean melon was grown in East India. This declares Eastern India as the originating region of Korean melon.  After spreading its deliciousness to the Chinese. This melon was introduced to Japanese and Korean people during the three kingdoms span. And that’s when Korea fell in love with this melon.

Many regions of China, Japan, and Korea heavily cultivate this oriental melon. As it can bear rains and needs appropriate sunlight for ripening as well. So, it’s an easy-growing fruit. 

Korean melon is usually called by this name in the US, otherwise in Korea, they call it “Chamoe”. It is one of the most popular commercially cultivated fruit of Korea and Japan.

Let’s discover everything about this amazing fruit.

Also, check out Winter Melon and Types Of Watermelon

Appearance (Shape, size & color of Korean Melons):

Korean melon is yellow in color either dark or mild. It has sub-sections or divisions lined naturally in its design. The shape of the oriental melon is between oval to oblong with curved edges.   

The size of a Korean melon can be equal to a palm. It is a small-sized melon from the muskmelon family. These oriental melons are also considered to be of the same size as papaya.

The rind or outer covering of the Korean melon is bright yellow with white linings equal to the length of the fruit. The rind is quite thin for easy consumption and is often classified as eatable. while the seeds of this oriental melon are also considered edible. The shape of the seeds also has a similarity with the shape of the whole fruit. The seeds also appear to belong and are sharp from corners. Under the rind and over the seeds lie the white flesh, that’s the main fruit.

Onto the taste buds!

Taste of Korean Melon:

As the whole fruit is edible, Different regions of the world have different preferences in the consumption of Korean melon fruit. Some eat it as a whole, with rind and seeds, and others peel its skin off and scoop out the seeds and eat just the flesh. And it’s completely up to your choice that how do you like to eat it!

Those who don’t like the rind just avoid its skin because of its bitter nature.

Fun Fact: Here in Asia, we often dry the seeds of oriental melon and then eat’em as dry fruit.

The most amazing, delicious, and my favorite part is the central white flesh. This part has a thin sweet juicy layer attached to the side of the seeds. Or it will be justice enough to call it “Pulp of the fruit”.

Overall, the taste of this white flesh is sweet and often confused with the taste of cucumber, pears, honeydew, and cantaloupe. 

Where & When to grow a Korean melon?

The Korean melon is available through early falls and in the summers. If you are looking forward to growing Korean melon for your own kitchen garden then here are three tips.

• Firstly, Take care of the soil as it should be able to retain moisture for a long time span.
• Secondly, The place where you plant Korean melon should be easily accessible to sunlight.
• Thirdly, the temperature should be as high as 75 to 85F or as low as 60 to 75F.

Nutritional Benefits of Korean Melon:

Before counting on the scientifically proven benefits, I will share a logical benefit of Korean Melon. It’s a fruit of early falls and summer, and what else one can ask for than a ripe, juicy, hydrating fruit in summer?

Besides its hydrating quality, Oriental melon is a source of grabbing following benefits to your health:

1. Enrich in vitamin A and C, which reduces inflammation and improves skin complexion by boosting collagen production and enhances immunity.
2. The seeds of the Korean melon are a good source of fiber and are often considered a regulation booster for the digestive tract. or consumed as a remedy to cure indigestion. 
3. Enrich in calcium and vitamin K.
4. Constipation can be cured by eating it.
5. Korean melons are good for strengthening immunity against cancer cells.
6. And above all, it maintains blood pressure and lowers the levels of cholesterol in the body.
7. Korean melons help in maintaining bones health very effectively.

How to choose a good one?

When going to the market to buy few Korean melons for yourself. Carry these three secrets with you and choose the perfect ones!

• Don’t buy the one with brown spots on it.
• Lift one, if it’s heavier than its size, grab it (as it is the one you are looking for)!
• Always look for a firm melon with a waxy, dull outer layer.

How to store Korean Melons?

Storing such a delicate fruit is quite difficult because of its pulpy part. And that’s what I have experienced by myself. well, still nothing to worry about. As I’ll share my secret of storing Korean melons with you.

you can store Korean melon as a whole fruit for a week. and If you want to keep it peeled off in your refrigerator, then do your melon a favor peel off its pulpy layer as well. by doing so, it won’t spill juice over the entire fruit. And certainly, you will be able to retain it for 3 days in a plastic bag.

How to use Korean melon in dishes or for culinary purposes?

The fruit is mostly a freshly eaten delight. But that doesn’t stop this fruit from entering into dishes. Besides being eaten raw, Korean melon can be used in a variety of culinary recipes. Several dishes and desserts recipes are available online that make a cool fusion of Korean melons with several salads, ice creams, sorbets, shakes, hydrating juices, and snacks. Another perfect combination of Korean melon can be experienced by mixing them with a variety of other fruits in a smoothie.

Even one can consume the fruit entirely or by cutting it into wedges with peel and seeds or without as well. Or simply just chop them and enjoy!

I know after reading so much about this wondrous fruit package that has so much covered in it. you must be thinking of having one. Then what’s the big deal? Just grab a bag and search out your nearest store for Korean melons. They are almost everywhere. Sate your appetite!

Other Fruits To Read About

1. Papaya
2. Jackfruit
3. Passion Fruit
4. Guava
5. Star Fruit
6. Fruits That Start With K

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