The term “cantaloupe” refers to two varieties of muskmelon: the North American cantaloupe (C. melo var. reticulatus) and the European cantaloupe (C. melo var. cantalupensis).
What is the difference between a melon and a cantaloupe?
There is a taste difference in the two. Honeydew melon is slightly sweeter with a firm, green flesh, while cantaloupe has softer, orange flesh.
How can you tell a good cantaloupe?
The melon should be firm but not too soft or too hard. Smell the melon at the stem core (where it was cut) and it should have a good cantaloupe smell; those without smell are under-ripe, and those with unpleasing odor are over-ripe.
Is cantaloupe a real fruit?
The cantaloupe is a juicy, orange summer fruit that’s related to the watermelon and honeydew melon. It also belongs to the same plant family as cucumbers, pumpkins, squashes, and gourds. The semi-sweet cantaloupes most familiar to people in the U.S. are a type of muskmelon called Cucumis melo reticulatus.
Where are cantaloupes naturally?
In the U.S., California is the largest producer of cantaloupes producing almost three times as much as Arizona, the second largest producing state. Other states with significant amounts of production include Georgia, southern Indiana, and eastern Colorado (Fig 1).
Which melon is the healthiest?
Watermelon contains the least amount of calories, coming in at 46 calories per one-cup serving. However, it’s loaded with the antioxidant lycopene, which is linked to decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and age-related eye disorders, and contains a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium.
Which is healthier cantaloupe or watermelon?
Cantaloupe has more immune system-boosting vitamin C than watermelon. It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help to prevent macular degeneration, in which the retina deteriorates.
Should cantaloupe be refrigerated?
If buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice. After purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly. Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes. Scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating.
How can you tell if a cantaloupe is sweet?
You should pick the cantaloupe up and gently twist its stem. If it detaches easily, then that’s the plant telling you that you’ve got yourself a sweet, juicy cantaloupe! If the stem resists, then it’s probably not ready yet, and you should try again a couple of days later.
How can u tell if a cantaloupe is ripe?
As with cantaloupe, color is your first sign of ripeness. 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.
Where do real cantaloupes come from?
Most likely they come from Guatemala with a portion coming from Costa Rica, Honduras or Mexico during this time. Here in California, farmers will begin harvesting cantaloupes in the southern desert area as early as April and into July.
What is the healthiest fruit?
Top 10 healthiest fruits
- 1 Apple. A low-calorie snack, high in both soluble and insoluble fiber.
- 2 Avocado. The most nutritious fruit in the world.
- 3 Banana.
- 4 Citrus fruits.
- 5 Coconut.
- 6 Grapes.
- 7 Papaya.
- 8 Pineapple.
Does cantaloupe help poop?
Promotes Digestion
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.
Is cantaloupe a hybrid fruit?
Athena melon plants are hybrid cantaloupes grown in the Eastern United States. True cantaloupes are rather warty fruit that is mostly grown in Europe. The cantaloupe we grow in the United States is a rather generic name for all netted, musky melons – aka muskmelons.
Is cantaloupe a hybrid?
A great all-around cantaloupe for home gardeners, Athena Hybrid Cantaloupe consistently produces coarsely netted, 5-6 lb. fruits with outstanding flavor and an enticing aroma.
I’m gardening elsewhere.
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What state grows the most cantaloupe?
California
The largest producing States are California (58 percent) and Arizona (26 percent). The United States imports over one-third of the cantaloupes consumed in the country.
What happens if you eat too much cantaloupe?
If there is too much potassium to process at once, you can develop a condition known as hyperkalemia. Having too much potassium in your blood increases your risk of a heart attack. Eating too much cantaloupe may also be hard on your intestines and cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other digestive problems.
Is it OK to eat cantaloupe everyday?
Improves vision: Eating cantaloupe daily can improve your vision. Vitamin C, zeaxanthin and carotenoids present in cantaloupe improve vision and reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration (an eye disease that causes vision loss, typically in the central field of vision).
Does cantaloupe raise blood sugar?
Possible increase in blood sugar levels: although cantaloupes have a low glycemic load of 4, they have a glycemic index of 64 and fall within the moderate glycemic index range. Overeating cantaloupe increases the possibility of a rise in blood sugar levels.
Is cantaloupe anti inflammatory?
In every serving of cantaloupe you get beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. (Try saying all of those three times fast.) Gargiulo notes that antioxidants are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, plus they ward off cancer-causing free radicals in the bod.
Is cantaloupe good for losing weight?
Medicinal Melons
Melons, such as cantaloupe, honeydew, casaba and watermelon, are a dieter’s delight. A 3.5-ounce serving of cantaloupe, for example, contains only 34 calories and 8 grams of carbohydrate.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.