The Pecos Cantaloupe is not a variant of cantaloupe, but rather one that is grown in Pecos, Texas. Many Texans would swear that the Pecos Cantaloupes are the best cantaloupes from anywhere. The Pecos Cantaloupe has thicker flesh, a smaller seed pocket, and is sweeter than any other cantaloupe out there. What made the Pecos Cantaloupe unique was the potassium content in Pecos that gave the cantaloupes their unique qualities.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Cucurbitales
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Genus: Cucumis
- Species: C. Melo
- Binomial name: C. melo var. cantalupo
Pecos Cantaloupe Trivia
- The Pecos cantaloupe is grown only in Pecos!
- The Pecos cantaloupe is not a unique strain of cantaloupe
- There was once a time where ten different varieties were called Pecos Cantaloupes
- Pecos still holds a “Little Miss Cantaloupe” pageant every year
Pecos Cantaloupe Buying Guide
If you’re lucky enough to find Pecos Cantaloupes in stores or farmers’ markets, then consider it to be a good buy. For pricing, Pecos Cantaloupes tend to be much more expensive than Cantaloupes from California or any other part of the state.
To check for ripeness, smell the skin of the cantaloupe. It should have a sweet and musky smell to it. Also, choose Pecos Cantaloupes that feel heavy for their size. The rind of the Pecos Cantaloupe should be raised, with the netting pattern prominent rather than smooth.
Pecos Cantaloupe Production & Farming in Texas
Production of Pecos Cantaloupes in Texas is limited to one area, Pecos County. Where there were once thousands of acres planted, it has gone down to 300 acres for the single biggest producer and a scattering of much smaller growers.
What made Pecos Cantaloupes was the high content of potassium in the soil. As a veteran Pecos Cantaloupe grower puts it, “The saltier the water, the sweeter the cantaloupe.”
Most Pecos cantaloupe production goes to local markets and roadside vendors.
Pesticides:
There are no specific studies on the pesticides used on Pecos Cantaloupes. Still, it would be safe to assume that since a majority of the growers are small to micro in scale, that the fruits labeled as Pecos Cantaloupes will be organic.
Geography:
Pecos Cantaloupes can only be called Pecos Cantaloupes if they are grown in Pecos, Texas. The soil they are planted in should contain high levels of potassium, which adds to the sweetness of the fruit.
Pecos Cantaloupes thrive in a wide range of soil types as long as it is well-drained and medium-textured. Pecos Cantaloupes have a high demand for water and irrigation due to the high potassium levels in the soil.
Packaging:
After picking, Pecos cantaloupes are brushed to remove any dirt and debris from the skin. After cleaning, a sticker is placed on it labeling it “Pecos Cantaloupe” and then they’re shipped out to retailers and roadside stalls.
Enjoying Pecos Cantaloupes
Consume Pecos Cantaloupes as you would any other cantaloupe. Give it a thorough wash then slice it down the middle. After slicing, scoop out the seed pocket and then enjoy!
Storage:
Store unripe Pecos Cantaloupes at room temperature for a couple of days for them to ripen fully. Ripe Pecos Cantaloupes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week without affecting quality.
To freeze Pecos Cantaloupes, remove them from the skin first before freezing. It is advisable to slice them bite-sized pieces and freezing them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
Cooking:
Pecos Cantaloupes are best enjoyed fresh and raw. They can also be used as toppings and garnishes for different desserts, components of green and fruit salads.
Pecos cantaloupes can also be used for different baking applications.
Nutrition:
When it comes to nutrition, Pecos Cantaloupes are just as nutritious as other cantaloupes.
- Carbs
- Most of the carbs in Pecos Cantaloupes come from natural sugars.
- The Pecos Cantaloupe can be a quick fix to sugar cravings.
- Fiber
- Pecos Cantaloupes contain a decent amount of fiber per serving.
- Fiber helps you lose weight by making you feel fuller, and in turn, eat less longer.
- Fiber lowers your cholesterol and binds with toxins, flushing them out of your bodies.
- Vitamins and minerals:
- Pecos Cantaloupes contain more beta-carotene than any orange-colored fruit.
- Studies have shown that Cantaloupes have the same amount of beta carotene as carrots.
- Beta carotene acts as powerful antioxidants that help counter the effects of free radicals in your body.
- Your body can also convert beta carotene to Vitamin A.
- Pecos Cantaloupes contain more beta-carotene than any orange-colored fruit.
- Pecos Cantaloupes contain a decent amount of fiber per serving.
When Are Pecos Cantaloupe in Season in Texas?
To find out when Pecos Cantaloupe are in season in Texas, please check the seasonal chart below. Why is this important? We are rarely encouraged to think about the physical lengths our food travels before arriving on the market shelves. And all of this travel comes with a hefty environmental cost that is concealed from the consumer’s eye. One of the most salient benefits to eating seasonally is that you are effectively reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more geographically sustainable food economy. Check other fruit and veg that’s in season in Texas now.
