Harvesting Melons and Making Homemade Melonchello

Freshly harvested Charentais melons

Few things say summer quite like the sweet fragrance of a ripe melon picked straight from the garden. If you’ve been nurturing your crop all season, knowing exactly when to harvest melons is the key to getting that juicy, flavorful bite. And once you’ve got a basket full? Why not turn your harvest into something truly special—homemade melonchello

How to Know When Melons Are Ripe for Harvest

Getting the timing right is crucial. Here are the best signs to look for when harvesting melons:

• Color change: The underside of the melon (where it sits on the ground) turns from white to creamy yellow.

• Stem slip: The stem begins to dry and naturally separates from the fruit with a gentle tug.

• Fragrance: A ripe melon gives off a sweet aroma even before cutting.

• Texture: The skin near the stem softens slightly when pressed with your thumb.

Pro tip: Harvest in the morning when the fruit is cool for the best storage and flavor.

Preparing Melons for Storage or Recipes

• Immediate use: Freshly harvested melons keep well in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.

• Preserving: Cubes can be frozen for smoothies, or dehydrated for sweet snacks.

• Infusing: And of course, they make a perfect base for melonchello—a refreshing liqueur inspired by Italian limoncello.

Homemade Melonchello Recipe

Ready bottled Melonchello

• 1 large ripe melon (cantaloupe or honeydew work best)

• 750 ml vodka or other neutral spirit

• 250 g sugar

• 250 ml water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the melon: Peel, deseed, and cube the flesh.

2. Infuse: Place cubes in a large glass jar and cover with vodka. Seal and let infuse for 7–10 days in a cool, dark spot, shaking daily.

   

   10 days Maceration done!

3. Make syrup: Heat water and sugar until dissolved. Let cool.

4. Strain & combine: Strain melon pieces, then mix the flavored vodka with syrup.

5. Bottle & rest: Pour into sterilized bottles and let rest at least 7 days before tasting.

   

   Melonchello ready to pour!

🍹 Serve chilled, straight from the freezer, for the ultimate summer drink.

 Why Make Your Own Melonchello?

• Unique flavor: Sweeter and lighter than limoncello.

• Seasonal use: A creative way to preserve summer melons.

• Gift-worthy: Homemade liqueurs make beautiful artisanal gifts.

Have you ever harvested your own melons—or tried making melonchello? - I’d love to hear from you!

Share your melon-harvesting tips in the comments. If you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram @ourspanishfarm so I can see your creations. ;)

What other fruit liqueurs would you like me to try next?

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