Fruits

Superior. Distinct. Special.

Pepino Melon

The pepino melon, also known as melon pears, tree melons, and pepino dulce (sweet cucumber), is a fruit that is native to South America. It is not actually a melon but the fruit of a small evergreen shrub and closely related to the nightshade family (the nightshade family includes tomatoes and eggplant). It has a mild taste and texture similar to a cross between a melon and a pear.

The pepino melon is entirely edible but great peeled and added to salads, wrapped with prosciutto, or even eaten as a snack with lemon juice or salt. Similar to melons, it can also be used in salsas and smoothies.

Crystal Valley pepino melons are available year-round from Ecuador.

TIPS FOR SELECTION

Choose pepino melons with fresh stems and that are blemish-free.

HOW TO STORE

Store at room temperature if unripe and refrigerate once ripened.  As it ripens you will notice a sweet fragrance coming from the fruit and its purple streaks will become more prominent.

HEALTH BENEFITS

  • Good source of fiber