Rocky Ford Melons: A Little Taste of Summer

By: Ashleigh Miller | July 23 2010
Posted in Find It - Colorado Springs, CO

Melon lovers rejoice from July through September, when all varieties are at their sweet, juicy peak. Colorado residents, in particular, are in for a treat. Rocky Ford, in the southeast corner of the state, is known as the “sweet melon capital of the world.”

Photo: Flickr

The high altitude, sweltering days, and cool nights combine to produce near-perfect melons. How perfect? Melons grown in other regions average about 10% sugar content. Virtually all melons grown in Rocky Ford average 12% or more sugar, qualifying for the USDA “Extra Fancy” label, and melons with 17% sugar are not uncommon.

Fruit with Class

These melons have achieved a celebrity status few other foods enjoy. Lucille Ball regularly had Rocky Ford cantaloupes delivered to her dressing room, and the Waldorf Astoria hotel has served this famously sweet fruit since the early 1900s.

Where the Magic Happens

Rocky Ford melons are available at virtually every farmers market in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Denver. But why not take a day trip to Rocky Ford? This small town is only about a two-hour drive from Colorado Springs, and well worth the trip!

The Arkansas Valley Fair is well known for fun activities, delicious food, and, of course, melons. For the last 133 years, visitors have flocked to the fair to enjoy watermelon seed spitting contests, kids' activities, and cooking demonstrations. The most famous event might just be Watermelon Day, when every attendee receives a free watermelon. This tradition has been a fair favorite since 1895, and this year, Watermelon Day is on Saturday, August 14.

Melon Munching

Melons taste best when prepared simply. Wrap cubes of cantaloupe or honeydew with prosciutto for a quick and cool appetizer that's sure to disappear quickly! Cantaloupe is also fabulous with vanilla ice cream- simply cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds for an amazing edible bowl.

Watermelon Ice Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups seedless watermelon chunks
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon's worth of juice

Directions

Combine ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Spread the mixture in a shallow pan and freeze for one hour. Break up the ice with a fork and freeze for another hour. Break up the ice once more, freeze another hour and serve. Couldn't be cooler!