メロン

メロン (from English 'melon') typically refers to muskmelons with netted skin. In Japan, melons are considered a premium gift fruit, especially high-end varieties.

FAMOUS VARIETIES:

• 夕張(ゆうばり)メロン: Yubari melon (very expensive, from 北海道(ほっかいどう))
• クラウンメロン: Crown melon (from 静岡(しずおか))
• アンデスメロン: Andes melon (affordable, widely available)

CULTURAL NOTE:
High-quality melons are a classic 贈答品(ぞうとうひん) (formal gift), especially in summer. Premium melons can cost thousands of yen at department stores.

RELATED:

• メロンパン: melon bread (sweet bread with cookie-like crust resembling melon skin, but doesn't taste like melon)
• メロンソーダ: melon soda (bright green soda, a 喫茶店(きっさてん) classic)
• すいか: watermelon (different fruit entirely)