PUNTOITALY N°1 -January - June 2012

44 RIPENESS IS ALL In the case of winter melon - so called because it ripens late- it is not complicated to choose one suited to this particular type of treatment. The green or yellow of the skin must look bright and uniform, without obvious variations in colour or dark blotches; a black dot at the end opposite the stalk end is a sign of the best quality. It must give slightly to the touch at the ends, but not be soft, and certainly not rigid. The scent must not be too intense, because that generally indicates that the fruit is overripe, and this is unsuitable for our purposes. WITH OR WITHOUT RIND Whether the melon is cut from the rind will depend on the use to which it is put. You can therefore decide whether or not to remove the rind, before cutting it in the slicer, depending on what you want to Menu By Beppo Tonon The white colour of the flesh means that it can be contrasted with brightly coloured creams and gelato, creating an excellent vibrant effect. WINTER MELON