pale green.
Unlike rind, the flesh of cantaloupe is similar in most species, which means, no matter the one you’re handing is from North America or Europe, its flesh should be orange. The unripe cantaloupe flesh has a pale green or white color.
What does 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 can you tell if a cantaloupe is not ripe?
On an unripe cantaloupe, the stem end will be firmly attached and smooth at the point where it connects with the melon. As it gets riper, the stem end may rise off the fruit slightly. When the melon is ripe, the stem will separate easily from the melon. Many times the melon may detach from the vine on its own.
Should cantaloupe be yellow or green?
Knowing when to pick cantaloupe is not as difficult as one might think. 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.
What color is a good cantaloupe?
It is a healthy fruit with low calories and a lot of vitamin content. Fresh cantaloupe’s orange color hints to its good nutrition. The orange color is due to it containing beta-carotene, an orange pigment that also serves as a source of vitamin A.
Is it OK to eat unripe cantaloupe?
If your cantaloupe isn’t ripe yet (read the section above if you’re not sure), put it on the counter or in a fruit bowl until it ripens. Eating it unripe isn’t unsafe, but its quality won’t be that great.
Can cantaloupe ripen after you cut it?
Can a cantaloupe ripen after it was cut? Yes. Cantaloupe will ripen after being cut from the vine, but will not increase in sweetness.
How long does it take for a cantaloupe to ripen?
Melons typically ripen over a short period of time, up to 3 to 4 weeks for cantaloupes. As soon as one melon is ripe, the others won’t be far behind. About a week before a melon is ripe, minimize watering to just enough to keep vines from wilting.
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.
What does a yellow cantaloupe mean?
Meanwhile, yellow is a sign indicating that cantaloupes are ripe. However, you may notice that some melons’ rind remains green after ripen, or even after being spoiled. This is more often related to the U.S cantaloupe since some new species have been created to prevent discoloration.
How can you tell a good cantaloupe?
Feel it: A good cantaloupe should feel firm all over—but not rock hard. If you find any soft or squishy spots, that’s usually a sign of rotting. Gently press the blossom end: you should feel a bit of give. Pick it up: A good cantaloupe should feel heavy.
What can I do with under ripe 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. Grilling the melon with a touch of salt to bring out its sweetness, from AniQuadros.
How do you sweeten an unripe cantaloupe?
How Do You Sweeten a Cantaloupe? If your cantaloupe is not harvested in the right season, chances are it won’t be sweet. So you can sprinkle sugar or sugar substitute onto the cantaloupe and toss it gently until it has been evenly distributed.
Can you ripen a melon in the microwave?
Exposing unripe fruit to ripe fruit increases the unripe fruit’s exposure to ethylene gas to speed up the process. Combining ethylene gas with the heat from a microwave helps kickstart the process.
Can melon ripen after you cut it?
Will a honeydew melon ripen once it’s cut? Nope. Unfortunately, melons don’t ripen after they’re harvested, so what you buy is what you get. But if you slice into a honeydew and it happens to be underripe, don’t despair.
Should you wash cantaloupe?
Washing and serving
To prevent spoilage and mold growth during storage, it is best to wash cantaloupes just before you eat or prepare them. Even though you do not eat the rind, it is important to wash the cantaloupe before you cut it. First, wash your hands with hot, soapy water for 20 seconds.
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).
How long can a cantaloupe sit on the counter?
According to Real Simple, a whole unripe cantaloupe can sit unrefrigerated for up to two days. That is, if you opt not to place it in a closed paper bag to speed up the process. And, an uncut melon can sit in the fridge for up to five days before it starts to go bad.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.