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FRESH IDEAS
Sweet and juicy melons actually belong to the same gourd family as squash and cucumbers. There are two kinds of melons - muskmelon and watermelon.
Cantaloupes, honeydews and casaba melons belong to the muskmelon family. They all contain seeds and have a hollow center with fibrous material. When you are picking a melon look for a fruit that is slightly soft at the blossom end and has a sweet scent. You can ripen a melon at room temperature then keep it cool until you are ready to cut open and enjoy.
Watermelons are 92% water and are the true summer picnic food. When we think "watermelon” most of us think of the large oval shaped melon - smooth green striped on the outside and pink and juicy on the inside. But watermelons come in all shapes and sizes and a variety of colors. The flesh can range from white to deep red and you can get them with or without seeds.
Select a watermelon that has a smooth uniform rind. Slap the sides to hear a hollow sound to know that it is ripe. Store uncut melons in the refrigerator or other cool place.
Some ways to eat melon - substitute watermelon for tomatoes in your summer salsa for a really cool taste. Wrap melon in thinly sliced prosciutto for a simple elegant appetizer. Melon cubes with mint, feta and olives make a great summer Greek salad.
Fun melon facts
- Melons have been used as a food for over 4000 years.
- Because seedless watermelons produce little pollen, a regular seeded variety must be planted in the same patch so that bees can pollinate the flowers.
- Watermelons are the most-consumed melon in the US followed by cantaloupe and honeydew which is the sweetest of all the melons.
- In some cultures watermelon seeds are prized – they are cooked and included in a variety of dishes. The rind is also used in sweet and savory dishes.
- In Japan, they grow their watermelons square - better to fit on the refrigerator shelf.
- The largest watermelon on the record books was grown in Tennessee in 1990 and was 262 pounds.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Basil and Minted Melon Salad:
-1 Seedless Watermelon, small
-1 Cantaloupe, ripe
-small bundle of Fresh Mint
-7-6 Basil Leaves, Large
-¼ cup of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until sugar is dissolved completely)
Start with a small seedless watermelon, and using a melon baller, hollow out half of the watermelon. Slice open one ripe cantaloupe, remove the seed, and ball until you have equal parts watermelon and cantaloupe.
Next, take one small bundle of fresh mint, and 6 or 7 large leaves of basil and mince. Add to a blender with ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ¼ cup of simple syrup. Mix in blender until thoroughly combined.
Finally, toss all the ingredients together, and eat.
AROUND TNT
Talk to one of our knowledgeable Event Specialists to pick the perfect wines for your event.
Pine and Post wines are created from a long standing tradition of outstanding winemaking from Washington State. Washington’s success with wine grapes is due in large measure to the state’s unique geography. The vineyards are planted on the east side of the Cascade Mountains, which serve to protect the region from marine weather off the Pacific Coast. Warm daytime temperatures ripen fruit to perfection resulting in wines that are filled with fruit flavor and character. Pine & Post wines are fruit forward and true to the variety character.
~Pine & Post Chardonnay
This white wine has fragrant aromas of peach, nectarine and pineapple leading to a wonderful palate. Baked apple notes marry with toasty, integrated oak rounded out by a clean, balanced finish.
~Pine & Post Cabernet
Deep Color welcomes you to this Washington Cabernet. Dark cherry and black currant meld with a hint of cedar. A full mouthfeel is complimented with developed blueberry and leather notes. Lingering fruit and coffee give way to balanced tannins on the finish.
Waterbrook Winery in the heart of Walla Walla, is known for producing highly acclaimed wines that boast outstanding quality. In its 25th Anniversary year, Waterbrook has grown from a family run operation to an internationally recognized leader in Washington State winemaking.
~Waterbrook Melange Red
Aromatic ripe berries and spice marry with light cedar notes. A well rounded palate of black cherry and cigar box leads to lingering toasted oak on the finish.
~Waterbrook Pinot Gris
Fresh cut grass and tropical aromas fill the fragrant nose. Bright acidity with lemon zest, ripe mango and cantaloupe make your mouth water. A clean finish rounded out with nice mineral and gooseberry flavors.
Canoe Ridge Vineyard Estates is located in Washington State's preeminent wine region, the Columbia Valley. They produce wines with intense flavors by growing their grapes in a unique location with distinctive soils and microclimate. The vineyard is located at a wide expanse of the Columbia River, which moderates the vineyard temperature in both summer and winter. During the growing season, the warm days and cool nights provide the perfect conditions for grape maturity and balance.
~ Canoe Ridge Vineyard Estate Chardonnay
Crisp and refreshing, this chardonnay shows off layers of fruit and mineral flavors. Its enticing fresh pear and melon aromas are accented by lemon, mineral and fresh pineapple. Echoing the aroma’s fruit expression, the lush, juicy flavors fill your mouth with citrus and pear. The perfectly balanced flavors culminate with lingering notes of lemon, tangerine and mineral.
The Magnificent Wine Company sources its grapes from only the most magnificent vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley which provides the freedom to tailor grape selection exactly to their needs ensuring that each bottle of wine is equally Magnificent from vintage to vintage.
~The Magificent Pinot Noir
Inviting notes of Bing cherry, leather, tomato and strawberry marry on the nose. Developed flavors of strawberry, raspberry and Kola are layered on the palate. Lingering fruit and balanced acidity is a perfect finish.
 
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