{"product_id":"carosello-cucumbers","title":"Fresh Organic Carosello Melon (Cucumber)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width: 850px; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"page-width rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFresh Organic Carosello Melons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 lb or 5 lb Case\u003c\/strong\u003e · \u003cstrong\u003ePeak Summer Availability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarosello is one of southern Italy's great summer vegetables—though its name often causes confusion. Despite being called a \u003cem\u003emelon\u003c\/em\u003e, Carosello is harvested young and eaten like a cucumber. Crisp, juicy, sweet, and remarkably refreshing, it has none of the bitterness that can sometimes develop in conventional cucumbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Norwich Meadows Farm, Carosello holds a special place. While it has been treasured in Italy for centuries, our owners also grew up eating its close Middle Eastern relative, known as \u003cstrong\u003eHaroush\u003c\/strong\u003e. Across much of the eastern Mediterranean, immature melons like these have long been enjoyed fresh throughout the summer, making Carosello a vegetable that connects two rich culinary traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a fresh product for eating. We do not sell seeds or plant stock.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is a Carosello?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarosello belongs to the melon species (\u003cem\u003eCucumis melo\u003c\/em\u003e), not the cucumber species (\u003cem\u003eCucumis sativus\u003c\/em\u003e). It has been cultivated for generations throughout Puglia in southern Italy, where it is harvested long before it ripens into a sweet dessert melon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than waiting for sugar to develop, Italian cooks harvest the fruit while it is still immature. At this stage it is crisp, succulent, nearly seedless, and wonderfully refreshing—eaten as a vegetable rather than as a fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCarosello, Haroush \u0026amp; Other Immature Melons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout southern Italy, these immature melons are known as Carosello. Across Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and neighboring countries, closely related types are commonly known as \u003cstrong\u003eHaroush\u003c\/strong\u003e (or Haroosh). Although individual varieties differ somewhat in shape and appearance, they are prepared and enjoyed in much the same way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing both traditions on the same farm reflects our own story. We love introducing Italian Carosello to customers who have never experienced it, while many visitors from the Middle East immediately recognize it as the Haroush they grew up eating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCarosello vs. Cucumber\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough used like a cucumber, Carosello has a noticeably sweeter, cleaner flavor and a firmer, more delicate texture. It stays crisp even as it grows larger, contains very few mature seeds, and lacks the bitterness that can develop in cucumbers during periods of hot weather. Many people also find it easier to digest than conventional cucumbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Does Carosello Taste Like?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImagine the refreshing qualities of a cucumber combined with a subtle sweetness and delicate melon aroma. The texture is exceptionally crisp and juicy without becoming watery, making it one of the most refreshing vegetables of the summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use Fresh Carosello\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSliced with extra virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, and oregano\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServed with tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdded to fattoush or other Middle Eastern salads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaired with feta, yogurt, mint, or fresh herbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiced into panzanella or grain salads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServed alongside grilled fish, lamb, or other summer meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimply chilled and eaten fresh as a cooling summer snack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Puglia, one of the classic preparations is simply sliced Carosello dressed with olive oil, oregano, sea salt, and a splash of wine vinegar. Throughout the Middle East, Haroush is often enjoyed just as simply, or paired with yogurt, mint, and other fresh herbs—proof that the best summer vegetables rarely need much more than good olive oil and salt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow We Eat It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn our farm, Carosello is just as likely to be called Haroush. Growing up in the Middle East, Zaid \u0026amp; Haifa enjoyed it sliced with tomatoes, mint, olive oil, and a little salt, often served alongside labneh, feta, olives, and fresh pita. It's one of the simplest—and most refreshing—ways to enjoy it on a hot summer day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeasonal Availability\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Carosello is available only during the summer growing season. Because it must be harvested at exactly the right stage for peak sweetness and texture, availability is limited and varies with field conditions. Once the season ends, Carosello is unavailable until the following summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Delivery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe ship all produce via \u003cstrong\u003eovernight delivery nationwide\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eAt checkout, please select your \u003cstrong\u003epreferred delivery date\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrder Deadlines:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Order by \u003cstrong\u003eFriday at 12 PM EST\u003c\/strong\u003e → \u003cstrong\u003eTuesday delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Order by \u003cstrong\u003eMonday at 12 PM EST\u003c\/strong\u003e → \u003cstrong\u003eThursday delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf a delivery date falls on a holiday, your box will arrive on the next available business day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Norwich Meadows Farm","offers":[{"title":"3lb case","offer_id":52219149451565,"sku":"PRCORO-8","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5lb case","offer_id":52219149484333,"sku":"PR-CARO-14","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/0592\/0813\/files\/IMG_2572.jpg?v=1783964663","url":"https:\/\/norwichmeadowsfarm.com\/products\/carosello-cucumbers","provider":"Norwich Meadows Farm","version":"1.0","type":"link"}