Charentais Melon is a small, aromatic melon with smooth greenish-grey skin, dark green ribbing and rich orange flesh inside. It is also known as Charentais French Melon, French melon, Philibon melon, melon Philibon and baby French melon.
This melon is loved for its strong fragrance, syrupy sweetness and soft floral finish. When ripe, the flesh becomes juicy, tender and deeply aromatic, with a dessert-like melon flavour that is richer than many everyday melons.
Charentais is usually a small melon, often suitable for one to two servings depending on size. It ripens quickly and is more delicate than many thicker-skinned melons, so it is best enjoyed soon after it becomes fragrant.
Origin: Imported. Country of origin may vary by batch and shipment.
| Product | Charentais Melon |
| Also Known As | Charentais French Melon, French melon, Philibon melon, melon Philibon, Charentais, baby French melon |
| French Name | Melon. “Melon Charentais” is commonly used for Charentais melon in French. |
| Chinese Names | 夏朗德蜜瓜, 夏朗德甜瓜, 法式蜜瓜, 法国香瓜 |
| Botanical Guide | Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis, Charentais / cantaloupe-type melon group |
| Origin | Imported. Country of origin may vary by batch and shipment. |
| Size | Usually small, often about 7–10 cm diameter depending on batch |
| Skin | Smooth greenish-grey to pale green rind with darker green ribbing |
| Flesh | Deep orange, juicy, soft and aromatic |
| Taste | Sweet, syrupy, floral, fragrant and rich |
| Texture | Soft, juicy and delicate when ripe |
| Calories | About 34–62 kcal per 100g depending on variety and nutrition source |
| Best For | Fresh snacking, chilled desserts, melon and ham pairings, fruit platters and serving for one to two people |
| Storage | Ripen at room temperature. Once ripe or cut, refrigerate and consume soon. |
Charentais Melon has an intense sweet melon aroma with a soft floral aftertaste. A ripe Charentais should smell fragrant before cutting, with orange flesh that tastes sweet, juicy and almost syrupy.
The texture is delicate and tender, not crunchy like Hami melon and not as firm as some honeydew-style melons. Because the flesh is soft and aromatic, Charentais is best served chilled and eaten soon after ripening.
Charentais Melon is a small cantaloupe-type melon known for its strong fragrance and orange flesh. It is usually round to slightly oval, with a greenish-grey rind and darker green ribs.
This melon is more delicate than many larger melons. It has thin skin, soft flesh and a rich aroma, which means it should be handled gently and eaten soon once ripe.
The French word for melon is simply “melon”. In French, Charentais melon is commonly written as “melon Charentais”.
Charentais Melon is also known as Charentais French Melon, French melon, Philibon melon, melon Philibon, Charentais, French cantaloupe and baby French melon.
| Name | Meaning |
| Charentais Melon | Main product name for this small aromatic orange-flesh melon |
| Charentais French Melon | Describes the French-style Charentais melon type |
| French Melon | Short common name for Charentais-style melon |
| Philibon Melon | Brand-linked name when the melon is supplied under Philibon packaging |
| Melon Philibon | Alternative word order used for Philibon-branded melon |
| French Cantaloupe | Describes Charentais as a cantaloupe-type melon with orange flesh |
| Baby French Melon | Describes its small size and French-style melon profile |
| Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis | Botanical guide for Charentais / cantaloupe-type melon |
Charentais is usually a small melon. Many references describe it at about 7–10 cm across, although actual size can vary by farm, origin, season and batch.
Because of its smaller size, one Charentais melon is often suitable for one generous serving or for two people to share. The smaller format also makes it convenient for chilled dessert plates and simple fruit platters.
| Size Point | Details |
| General Size | Usually small compared with larger honeydew, Hami or rock melon |
| Typical Diameter | Often around 7–10 cm, depending on batch |
| Shape | Round to slightly oval |
| Serving | Often suitable for one to two people |
| Handling | More delicate and quicker-ripening than many thick-rind melons |
Charentais Melon is related to cantaloupe-style melons, but it is usually smaller, more fragrant and more delicate. It has orange flesh like cantaloupe, with a richer perfume and softer eating texture when ripe.
Every batch can vary, but Charentais is generally chosen for aroma and flavour rather than long storage life. It should be eaten soon after ripening for the best taste.
| Comparison | Charentais Melon | Common Cantaloupe / Rock Melon |
| Size | Usually smaller | Usually larger |
| Skin | Smooth greenish-grey rind with dark ribbing | Often netted or rough rind |
| Flesh | Deep orange, soft and very fragrant | Orange, sweet and musky |
| Taste | Syrupy, floral, intense and aromatic | Sweet, musky and refreshing |
| Storage | More delicate; best eaten soon after ripening | Usually more durable depending on variety |
| Best For | Fresh dessert, melon and ham, small servings and premium fruit plates | Breakfast, fruit bowls, smoothies and everyday fruit platters |
Choose a Charentais melon that feels heavy for its size and has a sweet, fragrant aroma. The rind should look fresh, without deep bruises, mould, leaking areas or very soft sunken patches.
A ripe Charentais should not feel too hard. It may give slightly when gently pressed, but it should not feel mushy or wet. Because it ripens quickly, it is best to eat it within a day or two once fully fragrant.
A ripe Charentais melon should smell sweet and floral. It should give slightly when gently pressed, but it should not be overly soft.
If the melon is still firm and has little aroma, leave it at room temperature. Once it becomes fragrant, chill it before serving and enjoy it soon for the best flavour.
| Ripeness Sign | What to Look For |
| Aroma | Sweet, floral and fragrant melon smell |
| Weight | Feels heavy for its size |
| Touch | Slight give, not mushy |
| Skin | Fresh greenish-grey rind with dark ribbing |
| Avoid | Strong fermented smell, leaking areas, mould or very soft patches |
Wash the outer rind before cutting. Slice the melon in half, scoop out the centre seeds, then cut the orange flesh into wedges or cubes.
Because Charentais is small, it is easy to serve as neat wedges or half-melon portions. For a simple dessert, chill the melon first, then cut and serve plain.
Charentais Melon is best served chilled and fresh. Its sweet floral aroma makes it suitable for simple dessert plates, fruit platters and classic melon and ham pairings.
It also works well with mild cheeses, berries, mint, basil, yogurt, sparkling drinks and light desserts. Because the flavour is naturally strong, it is best paired with simple ingredients.
Charentais Melon can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Like other orange-flesh melons, it naturally contains water, carbohydrates, vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium and small amounts of dietary fibre.
| Reference Serving | 100g edible flesh, general guide |
| Calories | About 34–62 kcal per 100g, depending on variety and nutrition source |
| Water | High water content, giving a juicy refreshing texture |
| Carbohydrates | Naturally contains carbohydrates and fruit sugars |
| Vitamin C | Contains naturally occurring vitamin C |
| Beta-Carotene | Orange flesh naturally contains beta-carotene |
| Potassium | Contains naturally occurring potassium |
| Fibre | Contains a small amount of dietary fibre |
Nutrition values can vary depending on melon variety, ripeness and edible portion. Weigh the edible flesh portion when tracking calories, sugar or carbohydrates closely.
Charentais melons ripen best at room temperature. Keep the whole melon on the kitchen counter or in a cool, ventilated area until it becomes sweet-smelling and ready to eat.
Once ripe, place it in the refrigerator and consume within a few days. After cutting, store the melon in a covered container in the refrigerator and eat it soon, as the flesh is delicate and can lose quality quickly.
SKC Fruits offers Charentais Melon for those who enjoy small, fragrant and sweet orange-flesh melons. This French melon style is ideal for chilled desserts, fruit platters, melon and ham pairings, and simple fresh eating.
Use Charentais Melon as the main product name. If the label is clearly Philibon, use Philibon Charentais Melon.
Yes. Charentais is usually a small melon, often around 7–10 cm across depending on batch. It is commonly suitable for one to two servings.
Charentais Melon tastes sweet, syrupy, floral and fragrant. When ripe, the orange flesh is juicy, tender and very aromatic.
Melon in French is also written as melon. Charentais melon is commonly written as melon Charentais in French.
Charentais is a cantaloupe-type melon, but it is usually smaller, more fragrant and more delicate than common cantaloupe or rock melon.
A ripe Charentais Melon should smell sweet and floral. It may give slightly when gently pressed, but it should not feel mushy or wet.
Ripen the whole melon at room temperature. Once ripe or cut, keep it refrigerated and consume soon because Charentais has delicate flesh.
As a general guide, Charentais and cantaloupe-type melons may range around 34–62 kcal per 100g depending on variety and nutrition source.
Next-day delivery is available across Singapore. Orders are carefully packed to help maintain freshness and quality during delivery.
$5.90 delivery for orders $55–$149.99.
Free delivery for orders $150 and above.
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