Santa Maria Melon

"The sweetest melon in the Azores, if you’re lucky enough to find one. 🍈"

Santa Maria Melon is a small melon that grows on Santa Maria island, and honestly, it’s a completely different beast from the usual melons you find elsewhere. I’m not saying it was invented here, but something about Santa Maria’s soil and climate makes it taste better.

Much sweeter, more intense, and way more flavorful than the average melon. They’re usually quite small, but that’s part of the charm. The downside is that production is limited because Santa Maria is a tiny island, so they’re not easy to find. When I see them, I buy them immediately.

If you ever come across one in the Azores, grab it. No hesitation.

You’ll rarely see Melon of Santa Maria on restaurant menus. The best chance is to buy it fresh at local markets during the summer. Try Mercado da Graça or Mercado Agrícola de Santana. Availability depends entirely on the season and the small production from Santa Maria, so it’s a bit of a lucky find. 🍈