Budgens has claimed a UK retail first with the introduction of ‘lime melons’ into stores.

Grown in Spain, the melons are said to have the texture and appearance of a cantaloupe melon but the flavour of a lime.

“The flavour is far more intense than a regular melon, with a definite citrus tang,” said Edward Vann, a Budgens store owner in Woodston, Peterborough.

“It’s definitely unusual.”

Although the melon is only available for three weeks due to a short growing season, 50 independent retailers operating under the Budgens fascia are currently stocking them and they are rolling out to further stores this week.

The melons are priced at £1.49 each.