Learn all about the melon that has the appearance of a cantaloupe but has a texture that is more like watermelon.
There Are a Lot of Melons in the World
Way back in 2016, I got to attend the National Heirloom Expo in Santa Rosa, California. This was an event put on by Baker Creek, a seed company from Missouri. The event was meant to showcase the vast amount of heirloom and unique varieties of fruits and vegetables grown across the country.
At this event, they had a huge selection of melons. There were varieties I have never seen before and ones I had only heard about in catalogs. It showcased how diverse the world of melons is, with so many sizes, flavors, colors, etc.
This is why I am never surprised when I come across a new melon. If you tell me there is a melon out there that is like a cantaloupe but has the texture of a watermelon, I am not going to doubt you for a second. And neither should you.
In the summer of 2026, coming back from having lunch with a friend in Washington, I visited a Rosauers Supermarket. The only other time I had been there before was when I was getting my vehicle's alternator fixed, so I wasn't really in a great mood. This time I could have a more relaxed shopping experience.
As I was looking through the produce department, I spotted a cantaloupe that was wrapped in netting. I turned it over and saw the label said "Waterloupe". I had found the melon that I had heard about all summer long on Instagram. And now I am here to share with you all I know about it, so that you can get excited to try it as well.
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🍉 What is a Waterloupe Melon?
Waterloupe is a new variety of melon that is distributed by Melissa's Produce out of California. Everything about the way this melon looks screams cantaloupe. It really doesn't look any different. I would easily assume it was just a standard cantaloupe. It is a good thing it is wrapped in the netting so that it doesn't get mixed up with the standard cantaloupe. But the Waterloupe melon is supposed to have a texture that is more like that of a watermelon. One thing I hear people complain about with cantaloupe is that it is too mushy. Watermelon are more firm naturally. Does it live up to its name?
🍈 What Do Waterloupe Melons Taste Like?
This melon perfectly lives up to its advertising. It tastes and smells just like a cantaloupe. I would say the flavor is hard to differentiate from a traditional cantaloupe. It is the texture where this cantaloupe differs. It does indeed have a texture just like a juicy, firm watermelon. You get a nice bite when you eat slices of this melon. For those that have always turned down cantaloupe, because of the texture but love watermelon, this is your chance to give cantaloupe another try.
🙋 How to Tell When It's Ripe?
As I do with any cantaloupe, I wait until the stem end of the fruit, gives slightly to gentle pressure. It should feel just a bit softer. Not as much as you would expect when checking the ripeness of a peach.
If the melon has a bunch of indentations or smells off, then it is overripe and should be discarded.
Stores the melons at room temperature until they are ripe. When they are ripe, you should store them in the fridge. The flavor of this melon is more pronounced with cold, so it is best to refrigerate then right when they turn ripe.
☀️ When are Waterloupe Melons in Season?
These melons are not available year-round, so you need to grab one when they are out. As of now you might find them in the store between the months of June and November. They are grown in the United States, so their availability follows the domestic melon growing season.
🛒 Where to Buy Waterloupe Melons?
I had heard about the Waterloupe melon online before I first found it in a store. The store I got them in is a small chain in the Northwest, Rosauers Supermarkets.
Some other stores where I have heard that they have been spotted in include:
- Albertsons
- Hy-Vee
- Brooks Grocery (MS)
- Sunshine Foods (MN)
If you are interested in trying more different types of cantaloupe, make sure you add the Sugar Kiss Melon to your shopping list as well. This melon has a sweet cantaloupe flavor and is more tender close to the skin than other cantaloupes.
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