Hami Melons for Delivery or Pickup

The Hami melon has a yellow skin with subtle green streaks and an oval shape, as well as a light orange flesh. Its taste is reminiscent of the classic canteloupe, but it is more flavorful and crunchier. It's a perfect addition to add to your breakfast fruit with a bit of lime juice, chili powder, or honey. They're quite a large fruit resembling a watermelon and have a hard exterior. The scent of Hami melon is often described as flowery and sweet. They are usually available during the spring and summer months.

Hami melon's history goes back to China, where it was first cultivated in Xinjiang in the northwest area of the country. In China, the Hami melon holds cultural significance, as the fruit was sent to the emperor and imperial court as a tribute. Today, the Hami Melon Festival is celebrated each year in Xinjiang where people can take part in contests, folk art, and tasting of over one hundred varieties of Hami melons.

Hami melon has about 180 varieties with different shapes, sizes, and colors. They all have the same sugar content, from fourteen to sixteen percent. Each Hami melon variety has its unique flavor profile depending on different compounds. It's still primarily cultivated in China and other parts of Asia, but in the U.S., it's not as frequently found. It can be mostly found in states like Oregon and California in farmer's markets and in grocery stores. 

Since Hami melons are just starting to be grown and better known in the U.S., if you happen to find some Hami melon, this fruit is the perfect choice to enjoy on a hot summer day. You will most likely find it in season in spring and summer. It's juicy and refreshing, and with its great size, there's enough for everyone to try. 

Hami melons are eaten fresh. You can eat it with some condiments like honey, lime juice, or chili. In China, the melon is incorporated into mooncakes, dried in strips, or added to carbonated beverages. Hami melons also pair well with ham, cottage cheese, and other fruits. Add melon to your favorite fruit or regular salads which can add a sweet and juicy aspect to them. Top toasted bread with some cheese and melon, or add it to a fresh smoothie.

If you're looking to try some Hami melons as a refreshing snack, head over to the Instacart app and select the Hami melons and whatever items you might need. Complete your purchase, and an Instacart shopper will go to the store and find the items you ordered. Order to make your day a little easier, and we'll do our best to get your groceries delivered the same day!

In order to find a ripe Hami melon, look for a dark gold color on the skin of the fruit. Also, if it gives off a sweet smell, that's another sign that it's ripe. If you press the melon and it is slightly soft to the touch, it's ripe to eat.

Preserving Hami melons can be done by freezing the fruit. You can cut the flesh beforehand and store it in bags so you can enjoy it for later. The melon can also be turned into jam or ice cream.