Seasons/Availability
Cantaloupes are available year round.
Appearance/Taste
Cantaloupes have a thick, orange-hued rind with light green and yellow stripes. The melons are round to oval in shape, typically 6 to 8 inches in diameter and weighing 2 to 3 pounds. They have ivory, oval seeds encased in a light coating of gelatinous liquid. Cantaloupes have a honeyed, musky, and floral aroma when ripe and will feel heavy for their size, yielding slightly to pressure at the blossom end. The melon’s flesh has a distinct, sweet, floral, and fruity flavor that is often described as “candy-like” or similar to honeydew melon.
Nutritional Value
Cantaloupe is typically consumed raw, providing a good source of vitamins A and C. It also contains modest amounts of potassium and other minerals. The melon also supplies the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health.
Applications
Cantaloupes can be served fresh in salads or as desserts with cream or custard sauces. They may be cooked in stir-fries, soups, stews, curries, and jams. Cantaloupes make excellent juices, smoothies, sorbets, ice creams, salsas, relishes and chutneys. They pair well with ingredients like ginger root, honeydew melon, lime juice, yogurt, and basil.
Storage
Uncut cantaloupes can be stored at room temperature for up to five days. When cut, the melon should be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will keep for about four days under optimal conditions. Cantaloupe also freezes well for later use in smoothies and other recipes.
Enjoy!
