Pepino fruit is a unique and delicious fruit that is popular in South America. It is known for its refreshing, sweet, and crunchy taste, as well as its distinctive shape and purple patterns on its peel. If you are looking to purchase pepino melon, it’s important to know how to choose the perfect one. In this guide, we will discuss various factors to consider when selecting pepino fruit, including skin color, amount of purple veins, shape, and other considerations.
Choosing the Right Skin Color
When selecting pepino, you will notice that some have white skin while others have yellow skin. It’s important to note that the skin color is not determined by the variety of the fruit. The white-skinned pepino fruit is not yet ripe and requires time to ripen and turn yellow. To speed up the ripening process, place the fruit in a sealed space with other fruits that release ethylene gas. On the other hand, the yellow-skinned pepino fruit is fully ripe, but may be overripe, leading to deterioration and rotting. It is recommended to choose the white-skinned fruit if you don’t plan on eating it immediately.
Choosing the Right Amount of Purple Veins
Pepino fruit also varies in the amount of purple veins on the peel. The number of purple lines indicates the taste of the fruit. At the beginning of its growth, there are no purple patterns on the peel. As it matures, the purple pattern gradually increases until it reaches a certain stage where the size of the fruit affects the pattern. It’s not recommended to buy fruit without purple stripes or with too many purple stripes. Instead, choose pepino fruit with a moderate distribution of purple stripes or slightly less for better sweetness and taste.
Choosing the Right Shape
The shape of the pepino fruit is determined by genetics and can be either round or elongated. Round pepino are smaller and taste crisp and sweet, while elongated ones are usually larger and taste sandy and sweet. Choosing the shape that aligns with your personal taste preference is important. If you like crisp and sweet fruit, you may prefer the round pepino fruit, while if you like sandy and sweet fruit, the elongated ones might be a better fit for you.
When to Buy Pepino Fruit
Pepino fruit is available year-round, but it is best to purchase it during its peak season, which is from June to October. During this time, you are likely to find fresher and more flavorful fruit. When buying pepino fruit, it’s essential to buy from a reputable supplier who offers fresh and high-quality fruit. You can purchase pepino melon from your local grocery store, farmer’s market, or online.
How to Store Pepino Fruit
After purchasing pepino melon, it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh. If the fruit is not ripe, you can keep it at room temperature until it ripens. Once it is ripe, store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. To prevent the fruit from spoiling quickly, keep it away from other fruits and vegetables that release ethylene gas, such as bananas and tomatoes.
Other Considerations
Aside from the above factors, there are other small details to consider when selecting pepino melon. High-quality fruit is usually smooth, while dull and shriveled skin indicates that the fruit has been stored for a long time and is not fresh. Pepino fruit that is about the same size is usually heavier and has more juice inside, making it a better choice.
In addition, avoid buying fruit with any bruises, cuts, or insect damage. These may indicate that the fruit has been exposed to pests, and the damage could affect the quality and taste of the fruit.
If you’re unsure about whether the fruit is ripe or not, give it a gentle squeeze. If it yields slightly to pressure, it’s likely ripe and ready to eat. However, if it feels hard or firm, it may need more time to ripen.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect pepino fruit may seem daunting at first, but with a little attention to detail and some simple guidelines, you can easily pick out the best fruit for your taste buds. Remember to consider the skin color, amount of purple veins, shape, and other small details when making your selection. By following these tips, you’ll be able to choose a ripe, fresh, and delicious pepino fruit every time.
