Frozen Melon Balls

Sweet, fresh melon–no matter what variety–is a delicious and refreshing summertime treat. Instead of serving up slices of melon fresh from the garden, try freezing it for a unique and healthy summer dessert.

Sweet, fresh melon–no matter what variety–is a delicious and refreshing summertime treat. Instead of serving up slices of melon fresh from the garden, try freezing it for a unique and healthy summer dessert.

Ripe melon is necessary for this treat. When melon, like honeydew or cantaloupe, is not completely ripe, it doesn’t have the same sweetness. Most melons slip from the vine when they are ready, so don’t pick them early. Keep them growing as long as possible for maximum sweetness!

Frozen melon balls works best with cantaloupe and honeydew, although you can try it with seedless watermelon. Once you’ve cut a melon in half and scooped out the seeds, use a melon baller to scoop out small balls of fruit. You can place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and stick them in the freezer for a few hours, or try this recipe from Rachael Ray. She goes the extra mile, dipping each melon ball in jam and then rolling in toasted coconut.

As far as a healthy snack goes, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything sweeter than homegrown melon. Freeze it and it’s as good as ice cream!