Honeydew Varieties

Green-Fleshed Honeydew

• Earlidew is the traditional honeydew melon, with lime-green flesh and a smooth, cream to yellow rind. The fruit matures in 80 days. Fruits grown in the United States are commercially available from July through October. Supermarkets obtain fruits from Mexico to fill their shelves during the rest of the year.

Orange-Fleshed Honeydew

• Honey Orange honeydew has crisp, pale-orange flesh covered by smooth, ivory skin. This medium-sized melon averages 3 pounds. It matures in 74 days.

  The smooth, yellow rind of the Honey Yellow honeydew surrounds light-orange flesh. This highly productive plant is tolerant of cool weather and produces fruits averaging 2 1/2 pounds. The fruit matures in 71 days.

White-Fleshed Honeydew

• Honey Pearl honeydew has sweet, white-fleshed fruit with a grainy texture that has been compared to Asian pears. The rinds are smooth and white. This medium-sized melon matures in 74 days.

  Snow Leopard honeydew is favored for its distinct appearance. This personal-sized honeydew has a unique, creamy-white rind that sports irregular green stripes or spots. It has smooth, white flesh with a flavorful taste. It matures in 71 days.

Honeydew Consumption

• Ripened at the peak of summer, honeydew melons are traditionally eaten as an accompaniment to barbecued foods. It is also a common component of fruit salads comprised of grapes, watermelon and cantaloupe. Refreshing and light cold soups are prepared using honeydew as the base. Additionally, their light, sweet taste makes them an excellent companion to salty prosciutto.