Fruit Recipes | Fruit Company Gifts

The characteristics of a ripe melon: what you need to know before putting it in your cart

How to pick a melon Though melons may look beautiful in a store, without the right techniques it is difficult to know what is inside their rinds without cutting into them.

Fortunately, there are some steps that can be taken in order to identify a ripe and flavorful melon. The trick is to understand that not all types of melon require the same techniques, and to know what methods are appropriate for each type.

For a cantaloupe, also known as a musk melon, examine its entire exterior, looking for a good solid shell without any moldy areas or obvious bruising. Its underlying color should be an orangy-white. If its underlying color is primarily green or white, move on to the next one.

The end with the stem should not still have the stem attached. A cantaloupe that was ripe when picked would come away from the stem very easily. Therefore, if the stem is still on the melon, it is likely unripe. Smell the end with the stem. If it smells slightly moldy or if it has no smell at all, put it back and try another one. A ripe cantaloupe should smell just slightly fruity and musky.

On the other hand, a watermelon’s rind should be inspected for black spots, large soft bruises, or cracks. Gently “thump” on the side of the melon with your hand and listen to the sound it makes. Compare the sound of several melons and pick one that makes a “middle” note. The higher the note, the less ripe the melon will be. The lower the note, the more ripe a melon will be. If the note is very deep, it may be overly ripe and may already be breaking down inside.

A honeydew melon should be inspected for cracks, bruises, or large dark spots on the outside. These melons should be avoided. Then, with the melon in one hand, press on the end opposite the stem (called the Best Fruit “blossom” end) and check for firmness. The more firm it is, the less ripe it is. A ripe melon should allow you to depress it slightly without a lot of effort. If the melon is quite soft for more than two inches across the blossom end, it is likely too ripe and is beginning to deteriorate inside.

By knowing these tricks, you will be able to select the best and most flavorful melon, which will give you a more pleasant experience and save you from wasting money on spoiled or unripe fruit.

For gift giving this summer don’t forget a organic fruit of the month club!

Chocolate Covered America!

Believe it or not...Chocolate-covered bacon is sold as a specialized food across the United States. The idea made an appearance at the Minnesota State Fair using the name, "Pig Lickers" and was sold at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk in California and under the name "Pig Candy" by a chocolate maker in New York City. Why is America recently so attracted to these oldes but not so goodies again?

Here are just a few things you can find at your local fair:

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Chocolate covered potato chips
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Deep fried and then chocolate covered Twinkies

Chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick

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Deep fried snickers
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We all know these foods are horrible for us but somehow, some way, these fair food vendors are making a killing!

Now, let’s get a a little more into the norm and check out this recipe for chocolate covered strawberries…just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries


Ingredients:

3/4 cup chocolate chips (half a bag) or melting bark
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
**if needed, 1 tablespoon of shortening
1 pound strawberries with stem, washed and dried

Directions:

Put both kinds of chocolate in two individual microwavable bowls.  Heat up each one in the microwave oven on increments for thirty seconds  - mixing right after each time until melted and smooth.  Should for some reason your chocolate is just not getting smooth, put in a tablespoon of shortening to it and then stir.

Hold each strawberry from the stem and dip it in either type of chocolate twisting it until finally it's completed covered.  Set the strawberries upon parchment or wax paper to set.  Then take a fork and dip it in the opposite kind of chocolate and drizzle it on the chocolate covered strawberries.  If you discover the dipping chocolate is hardening, simply reheat in the microwave for thirty seconds and stir.  Permit the strawberries to fully set up, approx. 30 minutes in the refrigerator.  Enjoy!

 And for those of you that still have the hankering for chocolate covered bacon you can actually buy this online for $7.50 per bar, just type in Mo’s Bacon Bar for more info. Personally, I'm going to order my chocolate covered fruit here!