Melons the star at Schnucks' Produce University

It's summertime in Southeast Missouri, and for Schnucks produce manager Bob Smith, summer means melons.

Regular melons like watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew get large real estate in the produce sections of local grocery stores, but lesser known, more exotic melons will be the subjects at Produce University from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Schnucks. The presentation of produce will introduce customers to five melons, including the French Kiss melon, the Piel De Sapo and the Hami Gold Melon.

"People are reluctant unless they try it," Smith said.

With 12 types of melons in the produce department at Schnucks and different varieties at other area grocery stores, Smith said the all-day melon demonstration is to "expose the customers to something different."

Brock Garrison will give samples of the five featured melons and give tips on how to choose a melon. Smith said when it comes to choosing a melon, don't be afraid to feel the fruits. A ripe melon will give a little when pushed on with light pressure from a thumb or finger.

"You wouldn't want a real soft spot in any area, but you want it to give a little bit," Smith said. If one end caves easily, move on.

With cantaloupe, he said, you want more of a brown than a green coloring. Honeydew should be a milky white or yellowish color, and again, it all comes back to touch.

"The more it gives, the more ripe it is," he said. Leaving a firm melon on the counter will let it ripen, keeping one in the fridge will preserve it longer.

The melon seminar is one of a handful of presentations through the year that educate customers on the choices available. Smith said Schnucks and partner produce company Frieda's Inc. plan roughly one event per quarter.

charris@semissourian.com

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