Choosing the perfect fruit at the grocery store can feel like a lost skill in today’s world of online delivery. However, with some expert advice, you can ensure that the cantaloupe you select becomes the highlight of any summer gathering or fruit platter. The key is to find the right balance between not being too soft and overripe, but also not so firm that it needs more time to ripen before it’s ready to enjoy.
Cantaloupe is a large, heavy fruit with vibrant orange flesh and a distinctive netted, tan-colored skin. It’s a popular choice during the summer months, offering a sweet and refreshing treat. In addition to its delicious taste, it’s also a nutritious option, packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and various plant nutrients and antioxidants.
However, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to avoid disappointment when selecting your cantaloupe.
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How to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe
Don’t be afraid to pick one up! According to Lisa Valente, a registered dietitian based near Burlington, Vermont, “Ripe cantaloupes will feel heavy and give just a little bit if you press on them.” Once you’ve selected a melon, take a closer look for any dents, soft spots, or cracks. These could be signs that bacteria or mold are starting to grow on the fruit, she explains. If you see any mold, it’s best to avoid that cantaloupe, or if you’ve already bought it, discard it immediately.
Next, check the color. “Cantaloupe should have a golden hue on the outside. You don’t want to see too much green under the outer skin or netting,” Valente advises. This is an important indicator of ripeness.
Finally, use your senses. “If you smell the end of the cantaloupe on the blossom side, the end opposite where the stem was, you want it to smell sweet and floral, almost like honey. If it doesn’t have a scent, it’s probably not ripe.”
Making a cantaloupe last
Once you’ve brought your chosen cantaloupe home, keep in mind that its shelf life depends on how ripe it was when you purchased it. “Cantaloupe should last a few days on the counter, but a whole melon will last about seven days stored in the fridge. Once it’s cut, it keeps for about five days in the fridge,” Valente says. “In my house, we go through it so fast it never sticks around for more than a day or two.”
It’s also important to remember that even though you won’t eat the skin, you should still wash it before cutting into the fruit. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this helps reduce the risk of contamination from the outside of the fruit making its way onto the edible part.
Tips for enjoying cantaloupe
Once you know how to choose a ripe cantaloupe, consider adding it to your regular grocery routine. Not only does it offer health benefits, but it also brings a burst of color and the unmistakable taste of summer to your meals.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that every cantaloupe you bring home is as delicious as it is nutritious. Whether you’re preparing a summer barbecue or simply enjoying a healthy snack, the right cantaloupe can make all the difference.
