Casaba melon

A member of the muskmelon family, the casaba melon is a large, globe-shaped melon with a thick golden yellow to pale green rind and deep, rough furrows. The creamy-white flesh is extremely juicy and has a mild flavor similar to that of a cucumber. It can be used like cantaloupe as an ingredient in fruit salads, ice creams, sorbets, and parfaits. Although it originated in Persia thousands of years ago, it was not introduced to the United States until the nineteenth century, when it was imported from Kasaba, Turkey. Casabas are grown in California and are most readily available from September through November. The ideal fruit to choose is fresh smelling and has a deep, even-colored yellow rind with a slightly wrinkled appearance; it should give slightly when gently pressed at the blossom end. Avoid melons with soft spots or mold. Store underripe melons at room temperature until completely ripe, then refrigerate.