Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes are also known as muskmelons or rockmelons. They have a rough, scaly outer skin, often tan or yellow. The inner core is a bright yellow or orange flesh. Cantaloupes are in the same family as watermelons, squash, and cucumbers. Cantaloupes have a distinct juicy and firm texture and a flavorful taste and smell.
Best Storage Practices:
Store cantaloupe in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not store in crisper drawer. Properly stored cantaloupe should last about 15 days.
Fun Ways to Eat and Cook:
Cantaloupes like all fruits are delicious raw. Glazed and/or grilled cantaloupes make great toppers for sandwiches, burgers, or salads. Cantaloupes also make great ingredients for all fruit salads.
Selecting Cantaloupes:
Avoid any cantaloupes with discoloration, bruising, or spots. Select only those cantaloupes with a fresh fragrance and firm, netted outer skin. Outer skin should be tan to golden color.
Why it’s Good to Eat:
- Excellent source of Vitamin C
- Good source of beta carotene
- Good source of potassium
When it’s in Season:
Cantaloupe is a summer fruit and planted in March and April. Harvests become available in late June and early July and remain available until the summer cools in August.
How it’s Harvested:
Cantaloupes grow similar to pumpkins on vine-like plants. Rough green leaves grow on the parent plant’s stem to protect the fruit and plant as a whole. Harvest is usually done by hand.
Recipes:
Fruit Salad—Chop and mix available fruits including cantaloupes, grapes, strawberries, watermelon, and honeydew. Sprinkle with sugar, or lime juice and salt, and enjoy a fresh fruit salad!