Casaba, << kuh SAH buh, >> is a type of muskmelon sometimes called winter melon. Casaba melons are round or oval in shape with a pointed stem end. The casaba has a yellow, wrinkled rind (hard outer skin) and a juicy, edible flesh. The rind has many shallow grooves and turns from green to golden-yellow during ripening. A ripe casaba has white or green flesh. The flesh is sweet and lacks the strong musk odor of other muskmelons. It is rich in vitamin C and potassium and is eaten raw as a dessert.
Casaba melons grow on vines. These melons require a long growing season and ripen in late autumn. Casabas are called winter melons because they are available in many supermarkets during the winter.
Casabas were introduced into the United States about 1871 from Kasaba, a town in southwestern Turkey. Most casabas eaten in the United States are grown in California and the Southwest.
