Not even 6" in diameter, the "Little Sweetie" cantaloupe is one flavorful little melon. Since Picky started working at Fair Food Farmstand several weeks ago, he's been bringing home great fresh produce on a daily basis. To share some thoughts on some of the interesting things we're trying at home, we've started the "Fresh from the Farmstand" category. Stay tuned as entries fill up the pages of that category. So, back to the melon. As you can guess by the name, it's a small cantaloupe. It tastes just like a bigger cantaloupe, but it's just smaller, about 1/4 to 1/3 the size of a nice big cantaloupe. It's a local, certified organic fruit coming from Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op in Quarryville, PA.
As you can see above, it's got a nice and thin rind meaning that there's tons of fleshy goodness inside. The juciest and most flavorful bites come from sections closest to the center of the fruit. Not to say the parts closer to the ends of the melon aren't good, just that it's that much sweeter in the middle. But how to tell you've got a ripe Little Sweetie? Same as a normal sized cantaloupe: you sniff it. If it smells nice and sweet, you've got a winner. The stronger the scent, the riper/sweeter it is.
The small size lets you enjoy the melon without committing to several pounds of fruit you may or may not get to eat before it goes bad. Perfect for an individual who is totally crazy for cantaloupe or easily shared between a couple friends in a sitting. Wedge it, cube it, ball it - just get your hands on one.
These fun fruits can be had for $2.50/lb at the Farmstand and they're between 1.5 lbs - 3 lbs.
Fair Food Farmstand
Tu - Sat: 8am - 6pm
Su: 9am - 4p
Mon: Closed
Reading Terminal Market
11th & Arch Sts
