The webbing on their skin should be thick and well raised. Perfectly ripe melons will have light gold color between the webbing. Avoid any with soft spots.
Can you eat cantaloupe with soft spots?
Check the outside of the melon for bruises, soft spots, or tears. Bruises and soft spots indicate a melon that is overripe and may have gone bad. A cantaloupe with a damaged outer rind will spoil quickly.
How can you tell if cut cantaloupe is bad?
How to tell if cut cantaloupe is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the cut cantaloupe: discard any cantaloupe that has an off smell or appearance; if mold appears, discard the cut cantaloupe.
Can an overripe cantaloupe make you sick?
Overripe fruits are prone to developing moldy patches. But that doesn’t mean you can’t eat them or that they will make you sick if you do. According to the Food and Drug Administration, it’s fine to eat fruit with moldy patches as long as you remove the affected area.
What happens if you eat spoiled cantaloupe?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person infected with the bacteria usually has a fever and muscle aches, which are often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Additional symptoms can be a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
Why is my cantaloupe wet?
If the end of the fruit is wet or bruising, it is ripe. Otherwise, it should be firm and free of bruises. Check the stem end to see if it’s ripe. Cantaloupe is a famous muskmelon variety that glows brightly during the summer.
How long is cantaloupe good for in the fridge?
seven to 10 days
A whole, uncut cantaloupe or honeydew melon should last for seven to 10 days in the refrigerator. A whole, uncut watermelon is even sturdier: It should be good for two weeks.
What does the inside of a bad cantaloupe look like?
As for the inside of the fruit, when the flesh appears to look dark orange or brown, it’s probably past its prime. If there’s mold on the inside, it should also be tossed. This growth will appear fuzzy in texture and either white or dark in color (via The Whole Portion).
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.
Why does my cantaloupe taste like nail polish remover?
These fruits, if grown naturally, are not good stored. You can taste the stored ones straight away, they either have no flavour or they develop an acetone taste akin to nail varnish.
Can cantaloupe give you Salmonella?
Still, you should take food safety precautions when preparing any produce—especially cantaloupe, because its rough rind can trap salmonella and some other types of harmful bacteria, according to the FDA.
How does Salmonella get into cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is particularly susceptible to contamination because it grows on the ground, where it can come into contact with bacteria from animal feces harbored in soil or rainwater runoff. However, like any fruit or vegetable, it can also pick up pathogens during harvest, handling or preparation.
What are the symptoms of Listeria?
If you develop a listeria infection, you might have: Fever. Chills. Muscle aches.
If the listeria infection spreads to your nervous system, signs and symptoms can include:
- Headache.
- Stiff neck.
- Confusion or changes in alertness.
- Loss of balance.
- Convulsions.
What does mold look like on cantaloupe?
Blackish to blackish-green mold, typically Alternaria spp, will invariably develop over time on cantaloupes, sometimes first observed at the stem scar where nutrients are exuded at the moment of “slip” or harvest.
Why do I throw up after eating cantaloupe?
If you have an allergy to cantaloupe, even eating a few bites could trigger symptoms. According to MayoClinic.com, many common symptoms occur within the digestive system; these symptoms include itching of the mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
Are there worms in cantaloupe?
On cantaloupe they’re referred to as rindworms because they feed on just the surface of the tough-skinned melon, only causing scarring. The caterpillars may tunnel through flowers, buds, and stems, but most usually prefer fruits.
What does a ripe 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 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.
How long does fresh cut cantaloupe last in fridge?
Cantaloupe shelf life:
The freshness of the melon can be preserved by storing it in a cool, dark place. Keep the fruit whole to extend its shelf life. Cut fruit will keep in the fridge for three or four days.
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.
How long is cantaloupe good after sell by date?
Cantaloupe Expiration Date
| Counter | Refrigerator | |
|---|---|---|
| Cantaloupe (Whole) lasts for | 5-7 Days | 10-12 Days |
| Cantaloupe (Cut) lasts for | 2-4 Hours | 4-7 Days |
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.