Melon soup is a soup prepared withmelon as a primary ingredient.[1] Melons such asbitter melon,cantaloupe,crenshaw melon,honeydew (casaba melon) andwinter melon may be used,[1][2][3] among others. Some melon soups are prepared with whole pieces of melon, and others usepuréed melon.[2] Some are served hot, while others are served chilled.[4] Some cold varieties are prepared without any cooking involved.[5] Several styles and varieties of melon soups exist, including bitter melon soup, cantaloupe soup and winter melon soup,[6][7][8] among others. The origin of some melon soup recipes may cross international boundaries.[clarification needed]
Bitter melon soup is prepared usingbitter melon as a primary ingredient, and is a part ofChinese cuisine.[6] InCantonese, bitter melon is referred to as "the cooling melon," using the termleung gwa.[6] In the region of China'sPearl River Delta, bitter melon soup is prepared from fresh melons during the summer, and also from dried bitter melon powder during other seasons.[6] It may be prepared including fish such as bass or carp.[6]
Cantaloupe soup is prepared withcantaloupe as a primary ingredient. It may be prepared in puréed form and is typically served chilled.[7][9] It is sometimes referred to as muskmelon soup. Cantaloupe soup may be served as a firstcourse or starter dish prior to a main course.[7][9] The use of well-ripened cantaloupe can create an optimal texture and enhance the sweet flavor of the soup.[9] Additional ingredients can include lime juice, lemon juice, apple juice, orange juice, salt, pepper, herbs such as mint or basil, cayenne pepper and balsamic vinegar.[7][9][10] Spicy versions may be prepared using chili peppers.[11] A cantaloupe soup recipe using one large cantaloupe melon, one-half cup orange juice and one-quarter cup of honey has 147 calories per one-cup serving.[10]
Watermelon soup is prepared withwatermelon as a primary ingredient, and may be served chilled.[12] The seeds of the watermelon may be removed, or seedless watermelon may be used, and additional ingredients can include additional fruits, ginger, chili pepper and sugar.[12][13][14]
Winter melon soup is prepared withwinter melon as a primary ingredient[8][15] and is a part ofChinese cuisine[16] and thecuisine of Hong Kong.[17][18] It is served often at Chinesebanquets.[19] Winter melon soup may have a slightly sweet flavor.[15] Some recipes may use several ingredients in addition to winter melon,[8] which may include ham, carrot, mushrooms[16] and chicken.[20] Winter melon soup may be served hot, yet has been described as having a cooling effect upon the body when consumed.[18]
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