Depending on the season, melons for the US market are grown in Honduras, Peru, Mexico, or the US. (In the produce business, we call the melons from South America “off-shore” melons.)
Since we only put California-grown produce in our Talley Farms Boxes, and it’s summertime, it’s melon season! Melons take heat to grow, so our melons come from the Coachella Valley early season and the San Joaquin Valley during most of the summer.
Not all local melons are picked vine-ripened and have high sugar content. That’s why we rely on our growers and their salesmen to make sure we get the best-tasting fruit for our Talley Boxes. They know how picky we are, and since our members are familiar with our growers, they ensure we receive the right melons.
Over the years, there have been recalls of cantaloupes due to salmonella contamination. California growers take extra precautions to ensure your safety. (Check out The California Cantaloupe Advisory Board for great info.)
Always buy whole melons; never cut by someone else. When you get your melon home, wash the outside thoroughly with hand soap and water, then dry it. Melons don’t ripen after being picked, but they will soften when left on your counter. Once cut, store in your refrigerator. Cantaloupes are high in Vitamins A and C, and contain potent antioxidants. They are 90% water with only 50 calories per serving. Enjoy summertime and California melons!
