Sprite Melons

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Grow

A sprite melon is a fruit that grows on vines that ramble 

on the ground. Sprite melons are a honeydew hybrid from 

Cucumis melo L. The sprite melon originated in Japan. The 

Asian crisp flesh melons were introduced to farmers in 

North Carolina in the late 1990’s after it was discovered 

that sprite melons could grow well in the state’s climate. 

These small, oval, cream skinned, and white fleshed 

grapefruit-sized melons grow to 1-1.5 pounds, much 

smaller than a traditional melon!1-4

Sprite State

Despite it’s increasing popularity, the sprite melon is 

grown almost exclusively in North Carolina. Growing 

conditions are similar to that of other melons with loamy 

soils being preferable and producing higher yields. Sprite 

melons are planted when the danger of frost has passed, 

usually as early as April. They are harvested June through 

November throughout eastern North Carolina with time 

from seeding to harvest being around 70 days.1-5

Choose

Sensory Test for Sprite Melons

Select sprite melons that are well formed. The stem 

should be missing, leaving a shallow depression. Sprite 

melons turn from a cream or white color to yellow when 

ripe. The skin begins to show brown markings near the 

blossom end, which are called “sugar cracks”, indicating 

the melon is ripe. It is also a sign of optimal sweetness. 

Smell the melon for a sweet fragrance. The melon’s flesh 

should be juicy and firm and taste like a pear-honeydew 

hybrid. Unripe melon tastes more like a cucumber. 

Do not choose bruised or mushy melons or melons that 

are green, soft or have deep cracks in the rind.1-4 

Use

Sprite melons are the perfect size for snacks. They are 

best served naturally in slices. They can also be added to 

salads, smoothies and other recipes. 

Before cutting into a melon, be sure to wash the outside 

very well with clean, running water. The outside layer can 

have bacteria that you do not want to transfer to the fruit 

inside. When cutting, slice the melon in half first. Scoop 

out the seeds from the middle of each half. The melon 

can be further sliced into wedges or the flesh can be 

scooped out to use. Refrigerate cut melon until ready to 

use or serve. 

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PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTH CAROLINA

State Board of Education

Department of Public Instruction

Fun Fact: The North Carolina State University melon 

breeding program is working on developing new varieties 

of sprite melons that ripen earlier and have even better 

flavor.1,3

Fruit 

Fun Fact: Though still considered a specialty crop, the 

sprite melon’s popularity has soared. Annual production 

in volume of the fruit doubled from 2008 to 2009.4

Store

Uncut sprite melons continue to ripen at room 

temperature. If stored at temperatures 45-55oF, shelf life 

could be 2-3 weeks. Cut melon should be stored in a 

sealed container in the refrigerator (32-36oF, 85-95% 

relative humidity) for up to three days. Sprite melons can 

be frozen by cutting into slices and placing them on a 

cookie sheet with wax paper placed between layers. Once 

frozen, slices can be put in plastic storage bags until they 

are ready to thaw and serve.1

Image: Fotolia
Sprite Melons

Teach

Sprite melons are part of the Cucurbitaceae family. There 

are about 825 species of foods and ornamental plants in 

this family. Cucurbits are native to temperate and tropical 

climates. This family includes cucumber, gourds, melons, 

squashes, and pumpkins. Though they look and taste 

different, cucurbits have many things in common. Most 

species grow on vines and produce a fruit (or vegetable) 

that is fleshy and many seeded with a tough rind. 

Throughout history, cucurbits have been used for many 

purposes. Since ancient times they have been used as 

instruments, decorations, and vessels for carrying water 

and other liquids.1,5

Class Activity

1. Have students research some of the ways cucurbits 

have been used in past and present cultures. 

2. Ask students to share their research findings with the 

class. 

Fun Fact: Sprite melons were originally developed in 

Japan. N.C. purchased seeds from Sakata seed company 

which has been researching crops for over 100 years.3

Enjoy more fruits and vegetables

Fruit 

Find

For more sprite melon facts and resources, visit:

1. North Carolina Cooperative Extension, www.ces.ncsu.edu

2. North Carolina Grower Shipper Directory, www.ncfreshlink.com/

shipperdirectory/spritemelons.htm

3. North Carolina State University, Horticultural Science, 

http://cuke.hort.ncsu.edu/cucurbit/melon/sprite.html

4. North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, 

Marketing Division, www.ncagr.gov/markets/commodit/horticul/

spritemelon/

5. Harvest of the Month, California Department of Public Health, 

http://harvestofthemonth.cdph.ca.gov

6. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, www.eatright.org

Fun Fact: Sugar content in sprite melons is 25 to 30 

percent higher than most other melons. In fact, when 

ripe, they give off a sweet fragrance. The texture of the 

flesh is crisp like an apple. The flavor has hints of pear, 

watermelon, and honeydew.1-4

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 07/16

http://childnutrition.ncpublicschools.gov

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTH CAROLINA

State Board of Education

Department of Public Instruction

Eat

Sprite Melons are the Sweetest! 

One cup of sprite melon (a whole melon) has 110 calories 

and 150% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. 

Sprite melons are also a source of iron and fiber. They are 

cholesterol free and low in fat and sodium.1-4

Class Activity

Materials Needed:

 Different varieties of washed cucurbits: sprite melon, 

cantaloupe, gourds, cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon

 Knife and cutting board 

 Poster paper and markers 

Steps:

1. Ask students to draw a Venn diagram and select two 

cucurbits to study. 

2. Have students use their senses to find similarities and 

differences between their two cucurbits and record 

them in the Venn diagrams.

3. After several minutes, cut the cucurbits in half and 

allow students to continue observing. If time allows, 

let students taste the fruits and vegetables. 

Fun Fact: Melons were first cultivated in Persia and 

northern Africa nearly 4,000 years ago, and later by ancient Greeks and Romans.5

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, aids in healing, protects 

us from infections, helps form collagen to hold muscles, 

bones, and tissues together, and helps our bodies absorb 

iron and folate from plants. Iron is needed for immune 

function, brain development, and hemoglobin, which 

carries oxygen from our lungs to every body cell. Insoluble 

fiber aids digestion. Soluble fiber helps lower blood 

cholesterol. 

Their high nutritional value, unique flavor, and sweetness 

make Sprite melons a tasty and healthy choice!1-4,6