How To Pick A Pepino Melon

Knowing how to pick a pepino melon is the key to enjoying this unique fruit. Often called a pepino dulce or melon pear, it’s a sweet treat that deserves a spot in your kitchen. But choosing a ripe one can be tricky if you’re not familiar with them. This guide will walk you through every step, so you can confidently select the perfect fruit every time.

Pepino melons are not true melons but are related to eggplants and tomatoes. They have a mild, sweet flavor reminiscent of honeydew and cucumber. Their skin can be creamy white or pale yellow with striking purple streaks. A good pepino should feel heavy for its size and give slightly under gentle pressure.

Let’s get straight to the main event. Follow this checklist the next time you’re at the market or in your garden. These are the non-negotiable signs of a pepino that’s ready to eat.

Check the Color and Stripes

The background color is your first clue. A ripe pepino melon will have a pale yellow or creamy ivory base. Avoid fruits that are mostly green, as they are underripe. The distinctive purple stripes should be vibrant and clear, not faint or greenish.

Ideal: Creamy yellow base with bold purple streaks.
Underripe: Greenish base with faint, greenish stripes.
Overripe: Deep yellow with dull, brownish stripes or skin.

Feel the Firmness (The Gentle Press Test)

This is the most important test. Gently press the fruit with your thumb. You’re looking for a slight give, similar to a ripe avocado or peach. It should not be rock hard, nor should it feel mushy or soft.

Too hard: Needs more time to ripen.
Slight give: Perfect for eating soon.
Mushy: Likely overripe and may have a fermented taste.

Assess the Weight and Size

Pick up the pepino. A ripe fruit will feel surprisingly heavy for its size, indicating good moisture content. They are typically egg-shaped and about the size of a large fist. Don’t worry about small scars or marks; these are often natural and don’t affect flavor.

Give it a Sniff

Bring the fruit close to your nose, especially near the stem end. A ripe pepino will have a faint, sweet, and floral aroma. If you can’t smell anything, it’s probably not fully ripe. If it smells overly sweet or fermented, it’s past its prime.

What About the Stem?

Unlike some melons, the stem isn’t a major indicator for pepinos. They are often clipped cleanly. Focus instead on the color, feel, and smell methods described above.

What to Avoid: Common Pitfalls

Steer clear of fruits with significant blemishes, deep cuts, or wrinkled skin. Excessive soft spots are a sign of bruising or decay. A completely green pepino will never develop its full sweetness, even if left on the counter.

Ripening and Storing Your Pepino Melon

So you’ve brought one home. What now? Proper handling makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

If Your Pepino Needs to Ripen

Place firm pepinos in a paper bag on your counter. Adding a banana or apple can speed up the process, as they release ethylene gas. Check daily for color change and that slight give. This can take anywhere from 2 to 5 days.

How to Store Ripe Pepinos

Once ripe, eat it quickly for the best flavor. If you need to wait, store it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. It should keep for about 3 to 5 days when chilled. The cold air can sometimes dull the aroma, but the taste remains.

Counter (unripe): 2-5 days in a paper bag.
Fridge (ripe): 3-5 days in the crisper.
Cut fruit: Always refrigerate and consume within 2 days.

Preparing and Enjoying Your Fruit

Now for the best part! Preparing a pepino is simple. The skin is edible but can sometimes be slightly bitter, so many people prefer to peel it.

Simple Preparation Steps

Wash the fruit thoroughly under cool water.
Slice it in half lengthwise. You’ll see small, edible seeds in a gel-like cavity, similar to a cucumber.
Scoop out the seed core with a spoon if you wish, though it’s not necessary.
You can peel the skin with a vegetable peeler or paring knife, or eat it skin-on.
Slice or cube the flesh as desired.

Tasty Ways to Eat Pepino Melon

Its mild flavor makes it incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Eat it fresh: Enjoy slices on their own for a light snack.
Add to salads: It pairs wonderfully with leafy greens, feta cheese, and a citrus vinaigrette.
Blend into smoothies: Adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture.
Make a salsa: Dice it with tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime for a unique twist.
Pair with prosciutto: A classic combination that’s always satisfying.

Growing Your Own Pepino Melons

If you’re a gardener, you might want to try growing them. They thrive in mild, frost-free climates and are often grown in containers or greenhouses in cooler areas.

Quick Growing Tips

Plant them in well-draining soil with plenty of sun. They need consistent watering but don’t like soggy roots. Support the plants with a stake or cage, as they can get top-heavy with fruit. Harvest them when they meet all the ripeness criteria we’ve discussed—color, feel, and smell.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a pepino melon taste like?

It’s often described as a mix between a honeydew melon and a cucumber, with a juicy, pear-like texture. The flavor is sweet but mild and refreshing.

Can you eat the skin of a pepino?

Yes, the skin is edible. However, on some fruits it can be slightly tough or bitter, so peeling is common. Always wash it well first.

How do I know if a pepino is bad?

Signs include deep bruising, a mushy texture, an off or alcoholic smell, and excessive wrinkling or mold. When in doubt, it’s better to discard it.

Where can I buy pepino melons?

Look for them at farmers’ markets, specialty grocery stores, or Latin American markets. Their season is typically late summer through fall, but availability varies by region.

Can pepinos ripen after picking?

Yes, they can ripen off the vine. Use the paper bag method to encourage ripening if they were picked while still showing some green.

Choosing a great pepino melon is a simple skill once you know what to look for. Remember the golden rules: look for a creamy yellow color with purple stripes, feel for a slight give, and check for a sweet scent. With this knowledge, you’re ready to pick a perfect fruit every single time. Whether you find one at the store or grow it yourself, the sweet, gentle flavor is a wonderful reward for your effort.