How Do I Know If My 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 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 you tell if a melon is sweet?

It should have a subtle, sweet smell but not a strong one (that’s a sign of an over-ripe fruit). Be sure to check the melon’s color and tone. The best and sweetest cantaloupe should have golden undertones.

Which cantaloupe is sweetest?

Crenshaws also have peachy flesh, similar to a cantaloupe’s, which is juicy and sweet to taste. In fact, it is known to be one of the sweetest melons there is.

Why are my cantaloupe not sweet?

The melons then ripen quite quickly on the vine. So if farmers pick their cantaloupes too soon, they won’t have that sweet, summery flavor you expect. But if the melons are being picked when they are ripe and ready, then the issue might be the soil or watering conditions.

How do I pick a good cantaloupe at the grocery store?

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.

How do you sweeten a 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.

How can you tell when a cantaloupe is ready to eat?

Cantaloupe: Color, Smell and a Slight Tug
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.

How do you ripen a cantaloupe quickly?

Set the cantaloupe in a paper bag once you want to speed up the ripening process. Keep it at room temperature during this process. Place ethylene-producing fruits such as an apple or banana in the paper bag with the cantaloupe to further speed up the ripening.

What’s the best tasting cantaloupe?

11 of the Best Cantaloupe Cultivars

• Charentais.
• El Gordo Hybrid.
• Hearts of Gold.
• Olympic Express Hybrid.
• Planters Jumbo.
• Sarah’s Choice Hybrid.
• Top Mark.
• Zena.

Do cantaloupes continue to ripen after they’re picked?

Some, like watermelon, do not continue to ripen once harvested. Therefore, flavor will not improve nor will they become sweeter—t is what it is at harvest. However, cantaloupe and similar fruit will continue to ripen after harvest.

Can cantaloupe ripen on the counter?

A: You can ripen cantaloupe at room temperature, but it will go quickly from ripe to overripe. Melon stored in the fridge can develop a rubbery texture and lose a lot of flavor quickly, so keep them at room temperature.

What do I do if my melon is not sweet?

He’d rub some salt across his slice of melon with his forefinger. Initially, I was doubtful, but after trying it out, I saw that he was onto something. The salt brings out what little flavor a bad melon has and compensates for any lack of sweetness. It works, truly—trust me.

Why does my cantaloupe taste sour?

Typically, if your cantaloupe is sour, it is unripe and has not been allowed to develop its sweetness fully. Early harvesting or improper gardening techniques can leave you with a sour, crunchy cantaloupe melon.

Why does my cantaloupe taste like nothing?

Excess water can cause flavor to be bland. The two key times when too much water makes the most difference is when the fruits just start forming and about 1 week before ripening. Like most crops, cantaloupes grow and taste best when they get a consistent supply of dampness — not too much, not too little.

Do cantaloupes ripen in the fridge?

Will a cantaloupe ripen if it is in the refrigerator overnight? No, it will not ripen once it is in the refrigerator.

Does uncut cantaloupe need to be refrigerated?

Keep whole melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew on the counter for best flavor. USDA research found that storage at room temp may even help keep the antioxidants better intact. Once cut, store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

How do you store cantaloupe in the refrigerator?

Whole melon should be left at room temperature until ripe. Once ripe, place whole, uncovered melons, in the refrigerator. To store melon halves, cover tightly with either ClingWrap or Press’n Seal^® wrap. To store cut melon, seal in a GladWare^® food protection container and refrigerate.

Why do you put salt on cantaloupe?

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 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.

What is the difference between a melon and 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.