Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious cantaloupe. But how do you pick ripe cantaloupe melons at the farmer's market or grocery store? Picking the perfect one can be tricky, but with this guide, you will know exactly what to look for!
Have you enjoyed sweet cantaloupe made into creamy ice cream at least once in your life?
Please enjoy our cantaloupe ice cream recipe. So good!
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How to pick a Cantaloupe
Ripe cantaloupes are typically round or oval in shape and have a smooth, hard outer skin. The flesh is orange or yellow in color and is very sweet and juicy.
The blossom end of the melon should give slightly to gentle pressure. If it feels mushy, it is over-ripe. Cantaloupes are generally round or oval, with a ribbed or netted surface. The stem should be intact and attached to the melon.
- When selecting cantaloupe melons at the grocery store, it is important to keep the following in mind:
- When selecting a cantaloupe, tap on the outside and listen for a firm, low tone. A hollow sound might be an indication of a bad one. To tap, I like using my middle finger to thump the melon.
- The cantaloupe should feel heavy for its weight. This tip helps with selecting the sweetest melon. When the melon weighs more than the rest, that's a sign it has more sweetness. A likely winning pick.
If everything looks good, go ahead and buy it.
When is Cantaloupe season?
Cantaloupes are typically in season between the months of May and until late August. However, this can vary depending on the location. For example, in California, cantaloupes are usually in season between April and September.
If you're unsure when cantaloupes are in season in your area, your best bet is to check with your local grocery store or farmer's market.
Tips for harvesting ripe Cantaloupe
Selecting a ripe melon can be tricky. You want one that is neither too green nor too ripe. The following tips can help:
Look for a melon that has a uniform color and is free of blemishes. Feel the surface of the melon. Ripe melons will be slightly softer than unripe ones. Smell the fruit. Ripe melons will have a sweet, fragrant aroma. Pick up the melon and give it a gentle squeeze. Ripe melons will yield to slight pressure. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose a melon that is slightly less ripe. Let it sit out for a day or two to continue ripening.
How to ripen a Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes are a type of melon that is usually picked while it is still green and unripe. However, if you want to eat a ripe cantaloupe, you can do a few things to help speed up the ripening process.
- One way is to place the cantaloupe in a paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas emitted by the apple or banana will help to speed up the ripening process.
- Another way to speed up the ripening process is to place the cantaloupe in a bowl or container on top of a heating pad. The heat will help to produce ethylene gas and speed up the ripening process.
What do Cantaloupes taste and smell like?
Cantaloupe melons have a taste described as a mix between honeydew, watermelon, and papaya. They are sweet but not as sweet as honeydew melons and have a soft, smooth texture.
Cantaloupe melons have a sweet smell. Some people say it smells like honey or vanilla. Jasmine, honeysuckle, and citrus are common descriptors for cantaloupe's smell. The melon's aroma comes from various compounds, including terpenes, esters, and aldehydes.
When these chemicals interact, they create the distinct smell of cantaloupe. They also contains small amounts of methanethiol, a sulfur-containing compound that gives the fruit its characteristic aroma.
What to look for when picking Cantaloupe
When inspecting, check the stem end of the cantaloupe, and look for these 3 melon qualities:
Inverted stem - Indicates that it was picked at the right time and should have a good flavor.
Smooth edges - The stem should be smooth when cut from the fruit. If you see a jagged edge, this means that it was picked too early.
Attached stem - If the stem is still attached to the cantaloupe, it was likely picked too soon.
The next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to inspect the stem end of the cantaloupes before adding them to your cart. A little extra effort will go a long way in ensuring that you picked the best cantaloupe.
Can you freeze Cantaloupe?
When freezing, it is important to remember to remove the seeds first. This is because the seeds will not freeze properly and will ruin the cantaloupe. Once the seeds are removed, you can place into a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last in the freezer for up to six months. When ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator and enjoy.
Faqs
A type of melon that can be stored at room temperature. However, they will last longer if they are stored in the fridge. If you store it in the fridge, make sure to put it in a plastic bag. It can last up to two weeks if they are stored properly.
You can make many recipes with cantaloupes, such as smoothies, juices, salads, ice creams, and sorbets. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients!
Recipes To Try
Love Ice Cream?
What about homemade Cantaloupe Ice Cream? 
Or maybe, Avocado Ice Cream | Sweet & Healthy Dessert 
Next, French Vanilla Ice Cream | Le Cordon Bleu Recipe 
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