The sweetest and most fragrant melon from France
The Charentais Melon originates from the Charentes region of south-west France, where it has been grown since the 16th century. Tradition holds that it was introduced to Europe by the Pope's gardeners, who brought seeds from Italy and found in the temperate Charentais climate the ideal conditions for its cultivation.
Napoleon Bonaparte knew it well: the finest melon in the world grows in south-west France.
Over the centuries, local farmers carefully selected and refined the variety to produce the melon we know today: smooth greenish skin with ribs, sweet, intensely fragrant orange flesh. Napoleon Bonaparte was famously fond of these melons and had them delivered specially to his table.
Charentais Melon has one of the highest sugar contents of any melon variety grown in Europe. A fine specimen can exceed 14° Brix.
To tell if a melon is ripe, smell the end opposite the stem: if it gives off a sweet, intense aroma, it's ready to eat.
Melon is over 90% water, making it one of the most hydrating summer fruits, with only 34 kcal per 100 g.
01
Ingredients
Remove the seeds and cut the melon into thin wedges, removing the skin. Wrap each wedge with a slice of Serrano ham. Arrange on a bed of fresh rocket, drizzle with olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper and flaky salt.
02
Ingredients
Remove skin and seeds from the melon. Blend the flesh with cream, lemon, salt and pepper until silky smooth. Pass through a fine sieve and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve very cold garnished with fresh mint, a drizzle of olive oil and diced melon.
03
Ingredients
Blend the melon flesh with sugar and lemon until the sugar dissolves. Whisk egg whites with salt to stiff peaks and gently fold into the melon mixture. Pour into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 min for the first 2 hours. Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
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