A Charentais melon is a type of French

cantaloupe The cantaloupe ( ) is a type of true melon (''Cucumis melo'') with sweet, aromatic, and usually orange flesh. Originally, ''cantaloupe'' refers to the true cantaloupe or European cantaloupe with non- to slightly netted and often ribbed rind. ...

, ''Cucumis melo'' var. ''cantalupensis''. It is a small variety of melon, around the size of a softball. It has flesh similar to most cantaloupes, but with a distinct and more intense aroma, and a more orangey hue. It originated in the Charentes region of France, and is most associated with the Provençal area around the town of

Cavaillon Cavaillon (; ) is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France.

. Most true Charentais melons are grown in and around this region, and are almost exclusively available in France, as their thin skin and soft flesh does not do well in shipping. Hybrids of this variety are widely grown, they are generally crossed with North American cantaloupes for better shipping characteristics and larger size. The Charentais melon is the most cultivated melon type in France. The shelf life of the Charentais melon is about four days.

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Specialty produce: Charentais Melon
Cantaloupe {{Cucurbitales-stub