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Chamwae Melons Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to chamwae melons
About chamwae melons
Chamwae melons, also known as chamoe, yellow melon, or Korean Melon, have been enjoyed by Koreans for over 2,000 years, dating as far back as the Three Kingdoms Period from 57 BC to 668 AD. The modern chamwae melon differs from the historical chamwae in one key feature: sweetness. Before the mid-20th century, many regional varieties existed in Korea, from the gam, gangseo, ggol, ggul, Jul, to the Cheong-sagwa, and more, but they weren't all that sweet. Chamwae melons were much more similar to cucumber in flavor.
Etymologists trace the word chamwae back to the cucumber. The root "cham" means true, and the suffix "oe" means cucumber.Â
Unripe melons can be used to make various types of tsukemono pickles.
The chamwae has a bright yellow skin over a thin rind with white flesh and tiny seeds. It measures approximately 6 inches long and weighs around one pound. In many ways, it resembles the honeydew melon without the sweetness. In 1957, that changed with the introduction of the Euncheon chamwae from Japan.
The Euncheon chamwae was much sweeter than its older siblings and soon took over. By the 1980s, the Euncheon chamwae accounted for nearly all of the chamwae grown and sold. In regions of Korea, you can still find the original chamwae with its cucumber flavor profile. Still, unless you plan on making a savory, pickled side dish, the Euncheon chamwae offers the light, refreshing sweetness that makes a hot summer day more enjoyable.
How to tell if chamwae melons are ripe
Most chamwae melons arrive at the grocery store ripe or nearly ripe. But, like most melons, the ripeness of the flesh inside can be challenging to gauge simply by looking. Many shoppers have their tips to check for ripeness, like tapping on the melon and listening for a hollow sound. Some will tell you to shake the melon and listen for the seeds rattling. Others suggest pressing on the top of the chamwae where the stem was attached, with a soft feel meaning it's ripe and firm, meaning it's unripe.
Smelling for the pleasant aroma within gets suggested for many melons, but the chamwae doesn't have a particularly strong perfume, even when cut open. Your nose must be excellent for this method.
All of these methods work with some degree of success. That said, the chamwae melon has the same characteristics as other melons, and who hasn't been fooled by a melon before? If you think the melon you picked out isn't quite ripe yet, let it sit for a day or two to ripen further.
How to tell if chamwae melons are spoiled
If the chamwae melon has bruising or cuts, you should keep looking. The chamwae has a thin, delicate edible rind and skin but offers little protection once damaged. Bruising on a chamwae will only cause it to spoil faster and isn't worth the risk.
You can save time by shopping for chamwae melons on the Instacart app. Your Instacart shopper will begin shopping for your order after you check out. In as little as 2 hours, your order could be ready for in-store pick-up! In some cases, your order may qualify for same-day delivery!
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FAQs about chamwae melons
The entire melon, from the skin to seeds, is edible. Many people peel the melon and discard the seeds because of the flavor and texture. The chamwae melon, cut into cubes and chilled, offers a refreshing snack on a hot day. The high amount of water in the chamwae makes for a great smoothie. You can add a little sugar and lime juice and blend. You can make frozen chamwae melon pops that the kids, or the kid in you, will love. Many chamwea lovers make ice cream from the flesh. Simply substitute chamwae for the fruit in your ice cream recipe. If you happen to purchase an unripe melon, you can always pickle it, experimenting with various pickling flavors like garlic, herbs, or spicy peppers.
Chamwae melons have a short shelf life once picked. They should last 5-7 days at room temperature. If you think you've purchased an unripe chamwae, you can leave it sitting on your counter for a day or two before cutting. Once cut, you can store the chamwae in a plastic container in your refrigerator for 7-10 days. You can freeze the cut chamwae melon for 1-2 months using vacuum-sealed freezer bags.
The chamwae melon doesn't have the sweetness you find in other melons like watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe, but they do taste sweet. And that doesn't make them any less refreshing. Many people believe the mild sweetness of the chamwae melon won't make you as thirsty as other, sweeter melons.