How to Eat it and What it Tastes Like

I am a huge fan of fruit, in particular, I love melons. From the small but super delicious Korean melon to the cantaloupe to the honeydew, and of course the watermelon, with plenty in between like the canary melon and the Piel de Sapo. In this article, I talk all about the Hami Melon, or Chinese Hami Melon, or snow melon.

Learn all about the amazing Hami melon, where it comes from and where it grows, what the nutritional benefits are, how to eat it, and what it tastes like. It is one awesome melon. On to the information!

Where does the Hami Melon come from and where does it grow?

The Hami melon originated in Hami, Xinjiang, China. It belongs to the muskmelon family and looks very similar to a cantaloupe although it is oblong instead of spherical. It is sometimes referred to as a Chinese Hami Melon or Snow Melon.

There are more than 100 cultivated varieties that range from white to yellow. Although they originated in China, they are cultivated around the world and grow in many other Asian countries. Hot sunny locations are great places to grow these melons.

They are cultivated in Mexico and are found in limited markets in the United States, like Arizona, California, and the other Western States. I currently have some growing in my patio garden in Phoenix.

What are their nutritional benefits?

This fruit is very nutritious and packed vitamins and minerals:

• Low in calories
• Excellent source of Vitamin A
• Excellent source of Vitamin C
• Rich in antioxidants
• Good source of potassium
• Moderate levels of Vitamin B

How to eat Hami Melon

To tell if the Hami melon is ripe it should have a little bit of a give to it when pressed on the sides and on the stem ends. Also when you smell the stem ends they should smell fruity. Depending on the variety, there shouldn’t be any green left on it either.

Keep an eye out for dark spots black or brown, could mean they are over ripe.

There are many ways that you can eat the Hami melon. Just treat it like you would most melons. Begin by slicing it in half, lengthwise.

Then scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon. You don’t eat the seeds and pulp as you would the Korean Melon. You may want to save the seeds and try planting them as well.

If you would like to save the other half of the melon, keep the seeds in it, and just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge where it will last for a few days.

Now you can just use your spoon and scoop out the flesh and eat it that way if you like, or use a melon baller, and take out pieces of melon for a fruit salad or something.

Or you might want to slice that half into a few pieces lengthwise, similar to other melons, and then just pick up each slice and eat it.

You may also want to cut it into chunks instead. Run your knife along with the rind and then slice down to create chunks. Be careful with your fingers!

Again, just treat this like several other melons. It is almost like an oblong cantaloupe.

What does the Hami melon taste like?

First of all if you love Cantaloupe you will love these. They are sweet and refreshing. And taste very similar to a Cantaloupe. I think it has a bit more flavor with about the same texture though. Of course taste is subjective.

If you are a fan of melons, give one of these a try if you find them. I find them at my local Asian Supermarket, but also have them growing in my garden. Enjoy!

Watch my video I made about the Hami Melon!

How to Eat Hami Melon | Taste Test