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In fact, most cantaloupes are ready to be picked once they’re fully ripened, changing from green to a tan or yellowish-gray color between the netting. A ripe melon will also exhibit a sweet and pleasant aroma. One way to tell if a melon is overripe is by looking at the rind, which will appear quite yellow and soft.
Do cantaloupes ripen after picking?
Some, like watermelon, do not continue to ripen once harvested. However, cantaloupe and similar fruit will continue to ripen after harvest. Once into the ripening process, fruit will gain sugar, flavor will improve and flesh soften.
Can you pick a cantaloupe too early?
When rinds begin to change from green to tan or yellow, the melon is typically ripe enough to pick. Be careful not to pick too early, however. Look for a crack in the stem where it attaches to the fruit. This is a sign of ripeness as well.
How can you tell when a muskmelon is ripe?
When ripe, the flower end (the end opposite the stem) of the melon should be slightly soft. As the fruit matures, the skin between the netting turns from green to yellow. Finally, a ripe melon produces a strong “muskmelon” aroma.
How do you know when a watermelon is ready to cut?
Answer: Harvest watermelons when the underside or belly of the fruit turns from a greenish white to buttery yellow or cream. This color change is especially pronounced on the dark green skinned varieties. In addition, the fruit tends to lose its slick appearance on top and becomes dull when ripe.
Are cantaloupes good for you?
It also packs: 100% of the daily value for vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. All your daily need for vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes, skin, bones, and immune system healthy. About 12% of your recommended daily potassium, important for your heart, muscles, and blood pressure.
What does an unripe cantaloupe look like?
A ripe cantaloupe will have beige, tan, creamy yellow or golden rind. Green rind indicates that the fruit is unripe. The fruit will have a raised, textured webbing on its exterior. Don’t be concerned with discoloration – this is usually just the spot where the melon rested on the ground while being grown in the field.
What color should cantaloupe be?
The color of your ideal ripe cantaloupe should be a beige or sandy-gold. Try your best to stay away from those that are still green. This means they are unripe and not ready to consume.
What is difference between cantaloupe and muskmelon?
Muskmelon has tan and ribbed skin, with a sweet, musk-like taste and aroma. The flesh of the fruit has high water content and is orange in color. On the other hand, cantaloupe features net-like, light green skin, a central seed cavity, and salmon-hued flesh. It is also sweet.
What can you do with unripe muskmelon?
Uses for an Unripe Cantaloupe Turning it into a soup — with mangos, or a white gazpacho with grapes and almonds. Making a melon jam or chutney. Using it as a thick base for a smoothie, or blending it with lime juice and honey for cantaloupe agua fresca.
How do you tell if a watermelon is ripe by knocking on it?
Using your knuckles, rap on the middle of the watermelon while holding it up to your ear, or flick it with your finger. A ripe watermelon will have a hollow sound when knocked. An unripe watermelon will have more of a higher-pitched sound, while an overripe one will make a “thud” or a lower-pitched sound.
How do you tell if a watermelon is ripe in the grocery store?
Look for the yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe. Give it a thump: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound, which means it is brimming with juice and at the peak of its ripeness.
Can you eat a unripe watermelon?
According to Treehugger, unlike other fruits, watermelons don’t continue ripening after they’ve been picked, so your best bet is to avoid choosing an unripe melon if you can. Eating watermelon that isn’t fully ripe isn’t dangerous, but it’s not as good as a ripe melon.
Does cantaloupe burn belly fat?
Cantaloupe doesn’t burn fat, but it can help you get leaner by reducing your energy intake. For example, you can use it as a substitute for bagels, chips, cookies and other snacks to cut back on carbs and stay full longer.
Does cantaloupe make you poop?
Cantaloupes have a high amount of dietary fiber, which is an essential component of healthy bowel movements and digestive health. Eating a proper amount of dietary fiber can bulk up your stool, reduce constipation, and make your bowel movements regular.
Should you wash cantaloupe before cutting?
Wash your cantaloupe: By scrubbing the exterior of the fruit with antibacterial soap, you can remove harmful bacteria from the rind before you cut into it. This means that cantaloupe grows bacteria easily and can spoil when left at room temperature. If a cut melon sits out for two hours or more, throw it away.
How can you tell if a cantaloupe is sweet?
A ripe cantaloupe should have an overall sweet smell, but I get the absolute best melon by putting my nose close to the blossom end (the end opposite the stem). It should smell sweet and slightly musky. If it doesn’t smell good, I don’t buy it.
How long does it take for a cantaloupe to ripen on the counter?
Leave the melon out at room temperature until ripe. Usually, the process will only take about two days, if not quicker. Make sure that the place you store the melon is neither excessively cold or excessively hot. You should also avoid areas that are heavy in moisture or particularly drafty.
How do you pick a good melon?
Tips for Picking a Ripe Melon Pay Attention to Size and Weight. Whether it’s large or small, a ripe melon will feel heavy for its size. Check for Defects on the Rind. Turn the melon in your hands and carefully inspect the surface area. Look at the Color. “Knock” on the surface. Give it a Sniff.
