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Purple Pepino melons are oval and have an elongated shape that tapers to a point at the end. They are larger than yellow varieties and measure 15 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide. The smooth skin is thin, light purple and covered in dark purple striations. When fully ripe, the flesh of a Purple Pepino melon is dark yellow to pale orange with a juicy, melon-like texture and sweet, honeyed aroma and flavor. At the center is a shallow cavity containing small, edible seeds.
Seasons/Availability
Purple Pepino melons are available in the summer and through the fall months.
Current Facts
Purple Pepino melons are tropical fruits botanically classified as Solanum muricatum. They are not melons nor are they related to melons; pepino fruits are in the nightshade family, related to the tomato and eggplant. They are sometimes called Purple Melon Pear or Pepino Dulce morado. In Indonesia, they are called Buah Pepino and are sometimes referred to as Melodic Fruit. The purple variety is rarer than the yellow variety outside of the Andes region, New Zealand and Indonesia.
Nutritional Value
Purple Pepino melons are a good source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium, and are rich in dietary fiber. They are very hydrating with water making up 95% of the fruit’s content. The purple fruits contain flavonoids and phenols which provide antioxidant benefits. They are also low on the glycemic scale and ideal for those on a diabetic diet.
Applications
Purple Pepino melons are typically eaten raw and chilled. The skin of fully ripened fruits is edible and can be left on or removed depending on taste. They can be cut into quarters or slices. The pulp can be scooped from the skin and added to smoothies or pureed for beverages. The whole fruit can be juiced, though the skin may add some bitterness to the flavor. Purple Pepino melons are highly perishable and will keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Malaysia, Purple Pepino melon can be found in markets of the Cameron Highlands, where they are often sold as “Cameron apple”. The fruit is sold primarily to tourists visiting the island, which has earned it the nickname “tourist fruit.” The Cameron Highlands is located just over 90 miles (150 kilometers) north of Kuala Lumpur and is the largest tea-producing region in Malaysia. Outside of this area, Purple Pepino melon is called Pepino Ungu in Indonesian.
Geography/History
Purple Pepino melons are native to the Andean region of South America, where they were called “cachum” or “cachuma” by the people of Colombia, Peru and Chile. The Spanish gave it the name “pepino” because it resembled a cucumber, adding the descriptor ‘dulce’ to differentiate between the two. The Spanish brought Pepino melons to Europe and they were brought to New Zealand and Indonesia sometime during the 19th century. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the fruits are also used for medicinal purposes and are often used to treat digestive disorders. New Zealand botanists are developing improved Purple Pepino melon varieties, like the large Hortcolomb. Purple Pepino melons grow well above sea level in cooler, temperate regions and are most likely spotted in parts of Malaysia, New Zealand, Western Australia, and Chile.
La Granja
3015818772
Pepinos morados!...Purple Pepino melons, botanically classified as Solanum muricatum, are not true melons but part of the nightshade family, closely related to tomatoes and eggplants. They are sometimes called Purple Melon Pear or Pepino Dulce morado. Their purple variety is rarer compared to the yellow one, predominantly found in the Andes region, New Zealand, and Indonesia. These hydrating fruits are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, providing antioxidant and low-glycemic benefits.
Frubor
3104782698
Pepino morado en cosecha en Colombia…Purple Pepino melons, native to the Andes, are also known as "cachum" or "cachuma" in Colombia, Peru, and Chile. Named "pepino" by the Spanish due to their resemblance to cucumbers, they were later spread to Europe and regions like New Zealand and Indonesia in the 19th century. These fruits are valued for their medicinal use in treating digestive disorders in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Purple Pepino melon: In the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia, Purple Pepino melons are commonly referred to as "Cameron apple" and are popular among tourists, earning the nickname "tourist fruit.” This picturesque region is the largest tea-producing area in Malaysia and sits about 90 miles north of Kuala Lumpur. Elsewhere, the fruit is known as Pepino Ungu in Indonesian.
Yesifrut
3122564436
Purple Pepino melons are oval-shaped, measuring about 15 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide. They are characterized by their light purple skin marked with dark purple striations. When ripe, their flesh ranges from dark yellow to pale orange, offering a juicy, melon-like texture. They have a sweet, honeyed aroma and flavor, with small, edible seeds located in a shallow central cavity.
Raya Grocery
+442074075556
Stoney St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom
Purple Pepino melons offer versatility in consumption. Their pulp can be scooped from the skin and used in smoothies or pureed for beverages, adding a unique touch to drinks. The whole fruit can also be juiced, though leaving the skin may impart a slightly bitter note. These melons are highly perishable, best enjoyed fresh, and typically last only 2 to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Euro supermercado Jardines De Llanogrande
Km8, Via Don Diego, Llanogrande Rionegro Antioquia
0344440366
Purple Pepino melons: You might be interested to know that Purple Pepino melons, despite their name, are not actually melons but are members of the nightshade family, sharing a lineage with tomatoes and eggplants. These rare fruits are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, making them a nutritious choice. They are also 95% water, highly hydrating, and packed with antioxidant flavonoids and phenols, while being low on the glycemic index.
Purple Pepino melons are native to the Andean region of South America, historically called "cachum" or "cachuma" by locals and later named "pepino" by the Spanish for their cucumber-like appearance. Introduced to Europe, New Zealand, and Indonesia in the 19th century, they are valued for digestive health in Malaysia and Indonesia. They thrive in cooler, temperate climates and are cultivated in regions like Chile, New Zealand, and Western Australia, with botanists working on improved varieties.
Pepino Ungu, known as Purple Pepino melon, is popular in Malaysia's Cameron Highlands, where it is often marketed to tourists as "Cameron apple." This region, located about 90 miles (150 kilometers) north of Kuala Lumpur, is renowned as Malaysia's largest tea-producing area. In Indonesian, the fruit is commonly referred to as Pepino Ungu. Its association with tourism has also led it to be nicknamed the "tourist fruit."
Central minorista
Purple Pepino melons are oval-shaped and larger than their yellow counterparts, measuring about 15 centimeters in length and 6 centimeters in width. Their thin, light purple skin is accented with dark purple striations. Inside, the ripe flesh reveals shades of dark yellow to pale orange with a juicy texture and a sweet, honeyed smell and flavor. They also feature a shallow central cavity filled with small, edible seeds.
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