As Spring and Summer ripen across Australia, vibrant fruit arrives in abundance and two of the sweetest stars of the season are rockmelon and honeydew melon. Bursting with flavour and loaded with nutritional benefits, these melons are not only delicious but also versatile in the kitchen.
Selecting the Best Fruit
When choosing a rockmelon, look for one that feels heavy for its size and gives off a sweet, fragrant aroma from the stem end. The skin should be netted and creamy beige, without overly green patches. A ripe rockmelon will yield slightly when pressed at the base.
Honeydew melons, in contrast, have a smoother skin that should appear waxy and creamy yellow when ripe. Avoid fruit with a green tinge, which indicates immaturity. A ripe honeydew should also feel heavy and give a gentle bounce when tapped.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Both rockmelon and honeydew should be stored at room temperature until fully ripe, after which they can be refrigerated to extend freshness for up to five days. Once cut, wrap pieces tightly or store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing other fridge odours.
If you find yourself with more melon than you can eat, freezing is a great option. Simply cube the melon, spread pieces on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. While the texture softens upon thawing, frozen melon cubes are perfect for blending into smoothies, sorbets, or chilled cocktails.
Health Benefits
Rockmelon and honeydew are more than just refreshing - they’re also nutrient powerhouses. Rockmelon is especially rich in vitamin A (from beta-carotene), which supports eye health and immune function. It also delivers vitamin C, potassium and dietary fibre, making it an excellent hydrating snack on hot days.
Honeydew, meanwhile, is lower in calories but high in vitamin C and potassium. Its high water content helps keep the body hydrated, while potassium assists in regulating blood pressure and supporting heart health. Both melons are naturally low in fat and provide antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress.
A Seasonal Treat
With their sweet flavour, hydrating quality and rich nutritional profile, rockmelon and honeydew melon are seasonal treasures not to be missed. Make the most of their peak availability by choosing ripe fruit, storing it correctly, and exploring creative ways to enjoy these delicious melons.
Here are three delicious recipes to put fresh and in-season melons on the dinner table this week:
Prawns and honeydew melons make a refreshing culinary pairing. The natural sweetness and juiciness of honeydew balance the delicate, savoury flavour of prawns. Their contrasting textures - crisp melon and tender prawn - enhance each bite. This combination creates a light, vibrant dish that feels both luxurious and revitalising.
Looking for an easy midweek meal with some kick? This prawn noodle salad is bright, zesty and makes for the perfect Springtime dinner.
Tomato and melon create a refreshing balance in a salad. Juicy tomatoes bring tangy acidity, while sweet melon adds a cooling, juicy contrast. Together, they enhance each other’s flavours and textures. Their vibrant colours also create visual appeal, making the combination both delicious and beautiful for summer dishes.
This fresh-tasting meal features lime and chilli marinated salmon served with a seasonal tomato and melon salad. It’s the perfect hot weather dinner option.
Beyond enjoying them chilled and sliced, try pairing rockmelon with prosciutto for a savoury appetiser or adding honeydew cubes to a fruit salad for a burst of freshness. They also work beautifully in salsas, Summer desserts, and refreshing beverages.
Experience a burst of warm weather flavours with a vibrant melon, prosciutto and bocconcini salad.
