Harvesting Korean Melons and Saving Loofah Seeds

July 31st, 2025

We’re happy to share that Korean melons are in season at the Farm Stand! We have a few different successions planted so we’re hopeful they will be in season for a while. Our Korean melons are smaller in size compared to our cantaloupes with an oblong shape and bright yellow skin. Both the skin and flesh of these melons is edible and has a moderately sweet melon flavor with notes of pear and apple. Chill wedges or slices for a refreshing summer snack or blend the flesh with some yogurt and mint for a quick smoothie. If you have a little extra time on your hands, we recommend trying these Korean melon cream cheese pastries.

We’ve been harvesting fresh loofah for the Farm Stand over the past several weeks and now we’re starting to harvest some of the dried, mature fruits that can be peeled and used for sponges! According to Farmer Alyssa, loofah is a fun summer crop because “you can eat it, but also use it to clean your dishes afterwards”. The younger fruits are edible and harvested when tender and light green. If these are left on the vine to fully mature, the skin turns brown and the inner flesh eventually disappears, leaving behind a fibrous “skeleton” which can be used as a natural sponge (below left). At this stage, we can also harvest the seeds (below right) as loofah is one of the few crops we’re able to save seeds from to use for the next year’s planting. 

Upcoming Farm Events: 

• Next Farmers Market: Saturday, August 2nd from 9am-12pm (open to the public)

Currently in Season: Peppers (Thai, banana, shishito, jalapeno, poblano, and bell), Zucchini, Asian Eggplant, Okra, Basil, Thai Basil, Fresh Loofah, Long Beans, Malabar Spinach, Roselle Greens, Bitter Melon, Korean Melons, and Butternut Squash