Banana Melon

When I read about banana melons, I was excited to try a new variety especially since the description called it incredibly sweet with a tropical fruit scent. I have to say, I was a bit disappointed. The flavor of my banana melon was more delicate than a cantaloupe, definitely less flavorful than I hoped. 

The fruit smelled deliciously sweet and since it was cracked a little by the stem, I harvested it. Cutting into it revealed a beautiful orange fruit with a relatively thin rind, and it was very juicy so I thought it would be fabulous.

Don't get me wrong, it was good...but I had hoped for amazing. I think it may have been harvested a little early. I'm hoping the vine will produce another one so I can see if leaving it on the vine longer will boost the flavor.

To be honest, my melon patch is not at its best this year. My production is down, partly due to our drought and restrictions on watering. The other melons (cantaloupe, Crenshaw, Sakata's Asian, and honeydew) have been delicious, but not at plentiful as in years past.

At this point, I don't think the banana melon will make a repeat appearance in my garden next year unless the next one blows me away. Now the Crenshaw, that's another story. It will be in my garden every year. That's a melon that will have you coming back for more!