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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.
How can I tell when my cantaloupe is ripe?
To select a ripe cantaloupe, look for tan cantaloupe with light green lines across it, and avoid choosing melons with brown or soft spots. The melon should be firm but not too soft or too hard.
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.
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.
Are cantaloupes good for you?
The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C present in cantaloupe are vital nutrients for your heart health. Potassium can help to lower high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Fiber helps to decrease levels of “bad cholesterol” in your body. It can also keep your blood pressure in check.
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.
How do you tell if a melon is ripe on the vine?
The melon’s green rind will take on a creamy yellowish color. If the color is right, gently push on the end of the melon opposite from the stem. If there is a slight give, the melon is probably ripe. These don’t come off the vine as easily as cantaloupes, so use a knife or scissors to cut the melon from the vine.
What is the sweetest cantaloupe?
7 Sweetest Cantaloupe Varieties to Grow (& How to Get Seeds) Cantaloupe Variety Brix (sugar %) Days to Maturity Sugar Cube 11-14% 80 days Honey Rock 13.1% 80 to 85 days El Gordo 10-16% 75 to 85 days Hannah’s Choice 12-14% 75 to 85 days.
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.
How do you make cantaloupe sweeter?
Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews lean sweet—and that’s why they play so well with salt, vinegar, and cheese. Sweet, ripe, summer melons are better with salt. Salt makes their flavor pop. It contrasts their sweetness and accentuates their refreshing qualities.
How many cantaloupes does a cantaloupe plant produce?
Unlike other varieties, the vines only spread up to three feet. Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.
How long does it take for a cantaloupe to mature?
How long does it have to grow? Cantaloupe matures in about 80 to 90 days. Melons are normally ready to harvest when they start turning yellow on the bottom and the stem starts turning brown.
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.
Is it OK to eat cantaloupe at night?
Melons such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are all high in water, which means they are typically high in volume and low in calories — making them an excellent choice on any weight loss plan. All three are low-calorie, nutrient-dense choices for late night snacking, and they will all satisfy a sweet tooth.
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.
What can I do with under ripe cantaloupe?
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 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.
What is watermelon season?
Watermelons are grown for the fresh market. Watermelons are in season from July through August. It takes 80 to 95 days for watermelon to become full-grown. There are many varieties of watermelons (over 1,200) that vary in size and flavor.
How do you ripen a cantaloupe from the store?
To quickly ripen a cantaloupe, place it in a large brown paper bag with a ripe apple or banana. Roll the top of the paper bag to close it. Leave the bag out at room temperature for a few days, checking periodically to test the ripeness.
