Cantaloupe

Select It

Look for a well-shaped cantaloupe with a sweet smell. They should feel heavy for their size and slightly firm near the stem end. Avoid buying dark green cantaloupes that feel hard and have no smell. If there are any super soft spots, they are over ripe.

Store It

• Store whole, unripe cantaloupe in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Once ripe move to the refrigerator.
• Store whole, ripe cantaloupe on a refrigerator shelf for up to 7 days.
• Store cut cantaloupe in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. The seeds help keep the flesh from drying out, so do not remove before storing.
• Store in the freezer for 12 months. Remove the rind and cut the flesh into cubes. Place on a baking sheet to freeze and then place frozen cubes in an airtight container.

Reduce Food Waste

Cantaloupe may have discoloration or deformities on the rind; however, this does not mean it is bad. Check the inside before discarding.

Source: Save the Food

Prepare It

• Wash the skin with water before cutting. Cut cantaloupe in half or into wedges. Scoop out the seeds and eat.
• Serve for dessert, with meals or as a light snack.
• Blend yogurt, chopped cantaloupe, frozen strawberries and a banana. Pour mixture into paper cups and insert plastic spoons or wooden sticks. Freeze it for several hours to make light and healthy fruit pops.

Did You Know?

On average, it takes about 10 to 15 bee visits for proper pollination to grow melons.

a Cantaloupe helps you maintain good vision, fight infection and keep your skin healthy because it contains Vitamin A.

c Cantaloupe helps your body heal cuts and wounds because it contains Vitamin C.

Click here for more information about cantaloupe.

Click here for a printable page with lots of info about melons including cantaloupe.

Recipes

Chilled Cantaloupe Soup

Ingredients

1 cantaloupe (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
2 cups orange juice
1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (ground)

Source: Choose My Plate

Serving

Makes 6 servings. 3/4 cup per serving.

Time

60 minutes

Directions

1. Wash cantaloupe skin with water. Peel, seed and cube.
   
   
2. Blend cantaloupe and 1/2 cup orange juice in a blender or food processor.
   
   
3. Stir in lime juice, cinnamon, and remaining orange juice.
   
   
4. Cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
   
   
5. Serve chilled.

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