Tigger Melons Delivery or Pickup

The tigger melon, also known as the tiger melon, is an heirloom variety of muskmelon. It hasn't undergone the same commercialization as many other melons and is considered a type of specialty produce that can be difficult to find. The tigger melon is native to western Armenia, where it was first discovered growing along the Tigris River. This melon enjoys Mediterranean climates with warm growing days in summer. Tigger melons grow on climbing vines which make them easy to cultivate in small spaces. A single vine can yield up to 20 melons.

The tigger melon features a yellow rind with jagged stripes in orange or rust hues. This distinctive melon has a strong fragrance even when whole, and it can easily perfume your entire kitchen when the melon is ripe. Despite the fragrance, the tigger melon is not overwhelmingly sweet. The soft white flesh of the melon has a mild flavor that's been described as a cross between cantaloupe and Asian pear. The flavor of the tigger melon tends to get sweeter in drier climates, so knowing where the melon was grown may give you a little information about how it will taste.

Tigger melons grown in Armenia are usually far sweeter than those cultivated in the United States. You should expect a mild flavor from locally grown tigger melons. These are often promoted more for their bold and engaging appearance and pleasant fragrance than for their flavor. However, there are still many ways you can incorporate tigger melon into tasty summer recipes.

Tigger melons are brightly colored when ripe. Those with a green or pale yellow tinge are still ripening. Unlike some other melons, such as cantaloupe, tigger melons will continue to ripen even after they're removed from the vine. Therefore, you might purposely choose a melon that's not fully ripe if you're not planning on eating it right away. If you want to taste the melon as soon as possible, you should select the one with the brightest color.

The riper the tigger melon is, the sweeter it will taste. It's good to let this melon get as ripe as possible without letting it become soft or mushy. The tigger melon should have a smooth, waxy skin with a firm texture. You can leaves notes on the type of tigger melon you're looking for when you order via Instacart, so you get the ideal fruit for your plans!

There are many ways to use the sweet flesh of tigger melons. You can easily halve the melon and scoop out the flesh as a standalone treat, getting one or two servings of fruit from each melon. The rind can serve as a decorative bowl for a fruit salad, cottage cheese, or yogurt if you're having a special event and want to highlight this unique heirloom fruit.

The sweet flavor of tigger melon can help balance other strong flavor profiles like salted meat or strong cheese. Consider adding chunks of tigger melon to a charcuterie board to diversify the available tastes. Tigger melon works well in salads as well. Try combining chunks of tigger melon, pieces of grilled halloumi, and minced mint leaves. Drizzle on a white balsamic vinegar for a fresh, flavorful dish that's perfect for a summer cookout.

Pureed, tigger melon adds a touch of sweetness to smoothies, sorbets, or cocktails. You might try blending the flavor with other melons like watermelon or using strongly favored fruits like pineapple or strawberry to provide more of a kick when you're making a beverage, smoothie, or dessert with tigger melon.