I think it is so fascinating to find new fruits and veggies you’ve never tried. That can be pretty easy these days as they are increasingly able to import new fruits into our local supermarkets from all over the world. In listening to a Gastropod podcast episode recently, I learned that we owe our thanks to embracing things like snap peas and spaghetti squash to a woman from Los Angeles named Frieda Caplan, aka the Queen of Kiwi.

I think I owe Frieda and this story a whole article for another day because it is a fascinating story but I am sure thankful to Freida that we can try all sorts of different fruits and vegetables and that they are abundant and easy to access.

Today I wanted to share about a delicious new melon I tried recently when visiting my parents in Idaho that I can’t wait to eat and enjoy more often at home as well. It is called the hami melon, which is also known as the Chinese hami melon or Snow Melon.

Where it comes from:

The hami melon originated in Hami, Xinjiang, China. Although it originated in China, they are cultivated all around the world in places in Mexico and many other Asian countries. They grow great in hot and sunny places like Arizona and California.

What it looks like:

It looks very similar to a regular cantaloupe, but it is oblong-shaped instead of spherical like the cantaloupe. It has an outer netting like cantaloupe and the outer color is generally white through pink or yellow through green (just like cantaloupe).

What it tastes like:

It is funny because when you are about to bite into a piece, you are expecting it to taste soft and sweet just like cantaloupe, so you would be shocked to find a very crunchy and lightly sweet bite. Most people would describe it as even sweeter than cantaloupe. So it is crisp, juicy, sweet pale apricot-colored flesh that has a sweet, floral aroma.

How to pick a good one:

You can pick a hami melon just like how you would pick a good cantaloupe melon. Smell it and find one that smells slightly sweet and make sure it has firm flesh that gives a little under pressure.

Health Benefits of the hami melon:

This fruit has tons of vitamins and minerals and is very nutritious all around.

• Low in calories
• Excellent source of Vitamins A and C
• Rich in antioxidants
• Good source of potassium
• Moderate levels of Vitamin B

What to make with it:

Of course you can eat it the traditional way you would eat any melon--cut it down the middle lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and slice it and cube it any which way you prefer.

If you wanted to try something a little more unique you could make a ceviche with avocado, cooked shrimp, cubed melon, jalapeno and lime for instant summer flavor.

Where to get them:

If you happen to have an Asian grocery store in your area, that is the most likely place to find these. If you live out West, you are probably lucky enough to find them in your local supermarket. A lot of people suggest checking at Costco and others have suggested that the biggest and best ones are found at the 99 Cents Only stores, but sell out rather quickly!

Are you very adventurous with trying new fruits and vegetables at the grocery store? What has been your favorite one you have tried? Have you had any complete misses--things you would never try again? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.