Pepino Fruit Harvest Info
Although it prefers warm, frost-free climes, the pepino melon is actually fairly hardy; it can survive low temperatures down to 27 degrees F. (-3 C.). The succulent fruit varies in color and size from variety to variety but at its peak tastes much like a cross between a honeydew and cantaloupe with a hint of cucumber thrown in. This makes it a unique fruit that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes as well as being delicious eaten fresh on its own. Pepino melons are grown commercially in New Zealand, Chile, and western Australia where they grow as annuals, but they can be grown in the milder areas of northern California as well. Depending upon the variety, the fruit is between 2 and 4 inches long (5-20 cm.) borne upon a small, herbaceous plant with a woody base. The plant tends to grow vertically somewhat like the habit of a tomato and, like a tomato, may benefit from staking. A member of the Solanaceae family, it’s no surprise that the plant resembles a potato in many ways. All very interesting, but when is a pepino melon ripe…
When to Pick Pepino Melons
Pepino melons will not set fruit until the night temps are above 65 degrees F. (18 C.). Fruit reaches maturity 30 to 80 days after pollination. Although pepino melons are parthenocarpic, a larger fruit yield will be reached with cross-pollination or self-pollination. An indicator of ripeness is often associated not only with an increase in size but with a change in the color of fruit, and pepino melons are no exception but because there are many varieties, other indices should be used to determine if the fruit is ripe. Skin color may change from green to pale white to cream and finally to yellow with purple striping. Another indicator of ripeness is softening. The fruit, when gently squeezed, should give a little. Be careful when you squeeze the fruit, though, as it bruises very easily.
How to Harvest a Pepino Melon
Harvesting the fruit is easy. Simply pick the ripest looking fruit, leaving any others on the plant to ripen further. They should come off the plant with only the slightest of tugs. Once done harvesting pepinos, they can be stored in the refrigerator for as long as three to four weeks.
