Melons
Summer is melon season in Victoria. Local watermelons, rockmelons and honeydew are at their sweetest and juiciest from December to March. They’re refreshing, hydrating and perfect for warm-weather menus, grazing tables, and drinks.
Heirloom options like yellow watermelon or Piel de Sapo can surprise and delight customers looking for something new.
Peak Season: December to March
Common & readily available varieties: Watermelon, Rockmelon, Honeydew
Heirloom/ Boutique Varieties with limited availability: Piel de Sapo, Yellow Watermelon, Seedless Red
Off Season: Supplied from QLD; more expensive and less sweet
Storage tips: Store whole melons at room temp. Refrigerate once cut and use within 3 days.
| MELONS | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockmelon | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
| Watermelon | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
| Honeydew Melon | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
| Piel de Sapo | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
| Galia Melon | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟠 OK |
🟡 Good |
🟡 Good |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best |
🟢 Best Quality, Stable Price & Locally-Grown
Peak-season local produce at its freshest and most affordable. Excellent flavour, long shelf life, and reliable availability. Ideal for premium menus and consistent plating.
🟡 Good Quality, Variable Price
Often sourced from interstate. Still high quality, but pricing can shift depending on supply volumes and freight. A solid option with manageable cost.
🟠 OK - Variable Quality, Volatile Pricing
Typically freighted from distant states (QLD, WA or NT). Quality may be inconsistent, and pricing often fluctuates based on weather, fuel, and logistics. Use with caution in cost-sensitive menus.
🔴 Poor - Limited Supply, High Cost, and Imported
Availability is low or highly unpredictable. Often imported from overseas, resulting in shorter shelf life, lower flavour, and premium pricing. Suitable only for specialised or non-negotiable menu items.