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Crenshaw melons are a pale salmon fleshed melon with an
extra sweet flavor, and a rather spicy aroma. They are juicy
and for the best flavor choose one that is at least 5 pounds.
When ripe, this melon is medium yellow all over, the blossom
end should give when lightly pressed. Crenshaw melons are a
bit tender so handle with care to avoid bruising. Crenshaw
Melons are good sources for vitamin C and some vitamin
A. Melon is low in calories and high in water and fiber.
One pound of melon yields one cup cut or cubed melon pieces.
Melon is versatile, good for salads, dessert presentations,
sorbets, beverages, and side dishes. Crenshaw Melons should be well-shaped and elongated
slightly with a tall globular appearance.
There should be no scars or surface defects, and no evidence of
bruising. They should appear heavy for size, the surface smooth,
with a little green blush over the yellow allowed, waxy and not fuzzy.
U.S. grades are No. 1, Commercial and No. 2. Distinction among grades is based predominantly on external appearances. Sizing is based on count per 13.6 kg (30 lb.) container, most typically 4 or 5, and occasionally 6 melons per carton. High quality appearance is protected, in part, by packing with a partition to protect melons from
bruising, compression and scuffing.
To properly store Crenshaw melons: 45- 50 degrees F Storage life is typically 12-15 days at
45 degrees F with up to 21 days attainable.
Source authorities vary in the reported optimum storage and shipping temperatures for
Crenshaw melons. Most recommendations use
45 degree F and 85-90% R.H. as the optimum handling conditions. In general, if melons are ripe or pretreated with ethylene at 100 ppm for 24 hr, trade recommendations for short-term storage and shipping are often range from
36.5 - 41 degrees F. Extended holding at these temperatures will induce chilling injury, rapidly evident after transfer to typical retail display
temperature Here are some good links for Crenshaw melon information:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/PLANTanswers/vegetables/melons.html
http://www.marketreport.com/melons.htm
http://www.orst.edu/Dept/NWREC/melon.html
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