It is a French variety of muskmelon that has very smooth, yellowy-green skin, with green ribs. It is very aromatic even before cutting.
Inside, it has orange flesh.
It is grown from the beginning of May to the end of September. During May and June, it is started in greenhouses. After that, it is grown in fields. By law, a melon can only be called Cavaillon Melon if it is grown in Provence or in a part of the Durance valley, and growers must belong to the Association.
Cavaillon itself is a market town. The town has a “Order of the Cavaillon Melon” association. There is a three-day melon festival every year in July with a parade, dancing, music and food featuring the melon, as well as of course a contest for the best melon.
History Notes
Cavaillon Melons originated in India, arriving in Cavaillon, Provence, France sometime in the 1400s.
The melon is also being grown now in French areas of the Caribbean.