Hairy Melons are in cylinder shape of about 2-3 inches in diameter, with hairy green skin, and are picked for vegetable use when young. The white flesh is firm and mildly flavored.
The best quality of Hairy Melon is the hairy ones! This shows that they are fresh, young, and have not been handled too much. It is best to pick them up using a plastic bag as a glove - the fine hairs can be irritating, especially to those with sensitive skin. However, the hairs are easily rubbed off with a sponge or paper toweling after purchase. Hairy Melons are a tropical vegetable and are sensitive to temperatures less than 10�C. For this reason, it is best to store them in a cool place (12-15�C) rather than inside the fridge. As their skin is a good barrier to water loss, they can stay firm for up to two weeks under these conditions.
Very young Hairy Melons can be eaten raw, but the vegetables are more usually cooked. They have a mild, pleasant flavour not unlike zucchini. They can be peeled, and th
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