What is a Honeyrock melon and why you'll want to try it over the everyday Cantaloupe!
Also tips on how to choose ripe melons at the store.
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Summertime is the peak season for the muskmelons.
There is never another time of year when your melon options are so vast.
Here in the midwest we love to eat our Honeyrock melons.
What is a Honeyrock melon you ask? Isn't it just an cantaloupe. Keep on scrolling to learn what the difference is between a Honeyrock melon and a cantaloupe.
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❓ How is a Honeyrock Melon Different?
From a quick glance a Honeyrock and a Cantaloupe look the same. Most people could easily mistake a Honeyrock for being just a Cantaloupe. But there are some differences between these muskmelon family members.
The easiest way to tell them apart is that Honeyrocks have ridges that cantaloupe don't. On average Honeyrocks tend to be bigger in size.
Now onto the important part, the taste. Honeyrocks are sweeter than cantaloupes, they are also more firm. I think they have an improved texture. I am not a big melon fan, but I would pick a Honeyrock over the standard cantaloupe every time.
Also take note that Honeyrock are a heirloom melon.
☀️ When are Honeyrock Melons in Season?
You can find them at the end of May coming in from southern states or maybe California. You can find these melons in stores from Midwestern states (such as Indiana and Michigan) starting in the month of July into August. These states seem to grow more of them.
You can also purchase seeds online to grow your own (can't get any fresher than that). Melons should be planted after the risk of frost is over in your area.
❔ How to Tell If It's Ripe?
You don't need to be playing the Honeyrock like it's a drum to see if it's ripe. After working in produce for 5 years I can tell you that I have seen a lot of people act like they were in a band.
The best way to find a ripe and ready to eat Honeyrock melon, first find the stem end. This is where the fruit was attached to the vine when it was growing. It should have a little bit of give to it. Not a lot. Definitely shouldn't be able to push your finger through the melon.
You could also try and give the melon a smell. However if it's cold, maybe fresh from the produce cooler at a grocery store you won't get a smell. So don't choose by smell alone.
🚫 Overripe?
If you see a lot of indentations in the melon that can be a sign that is overripe it will taste as such. Avoid those ones. Any other marks or blemishes on the skin I would not worry about. It doesn't have to look pretty to taste good.
👐 How to Pick
When picking your Honeyrock choose one that feels heavy for it's size.
Place in the the palm of your hand. Does it feel heavy? That's the juicy one you want.
🍈 Athena Melons
Athena melons look very similar to Honeyrock melons. In fact I would not be surprised if they are interchanged for each other at times. I do believe they are actually a different melon.
Athena melons are known for that they stay ripe for a longer period of time without getting soft. You will get more time out of your melon. I have seen them at a handful of grocery stores and farm stands in the summer time not as often as I see Honeyrocks.
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➕ More Posts
Here are some additional posts in our What's the Difference series you'll want to check out.
- Colby vs. Cheddar
- Flat vs. Point Cut Brisket
- Clover vs. Wildflower Honey
- Cooking with Vegetable vs Olive Oil
- Beet Sugar vs. Sugar Cane
- Bartlett vs. D'Anjou Pears
- Different Types of Peppercorns
- White vs. Black Sesame Seeds
Wendy Austin
Thank you for your precise answer. Could not get an answer at the farmers market today. Good job.
Eric Samuelson
I am glad you were able to find the answer you are looking for. Sad that you couldn't get it at the farmers market.
Dirk Weber
Great answer. I bought one of these for $2.50, and I am glad I did. Best cantaloupe type melon I have ever eaten. My melon was huge approx. the size of one of those seedless watermelons. I am not sure how to tell if is ripe, though. If you run across in store buy it.
David
Just bought one at Ciolino's, where they were marked as "last of season" and on sale for 29 cents!
Very tasty, and this from a guy who is not a fan of muskmelons or cantalopes.
Ed LaPointe
Nice article. Most people, especially outside of the Midwest, do not know about the Honeyrock, aka Michigan Melon, aka Muskmelon. The only thing that you mentioned that I have not found to be the case, is the texture. In my experience, born and raised in Michigan in a melon loving family, the Michigan Melon is a much softer flesh than that of any other melon. I believe that this is why people that have been accustomed to eating cantaloupes, actually think it is over ripe and spoiled, and in some cases don't even want to try it when seeing it for sale. Boy, are they missing out!
LESLIE
Thx so much for the tips. This has been my "go to" melon for several years.