Cantaloupe

Photo: flickr user _e.t

About

Cantaloupe is a type of muskmelon of which there are two varieties, that originated in Africa and India. This fruit grows on a vine that runs along the ground and belongs to the same family as other types of melons and squash.

The two varieties of Cantaloupe are European Cantaloupe and North American Cantaloupe. European Cantaloupe has a lightly ribbed, pale green skin while the North American Cantaloupe has a rock-like, reticulated light brown skin.

The flesh is usually orange in color and moderately sweet to taste with a rich aroma. Inside the melon is a hollow cavity containing a web of flat seeds that must be removed prior to eating.

Cantaloupe is low in calories and high in vitamins A and C. This fruit makes for a healthy snack and can be used in salads or made into a refreshing drink.

Information

Other names: muskmelon, Rockmelon, Sweet Melon, Cantaloup

Translations: Kantalupa, Pepene galben, Dinja, Giống bí, Kantalupa, Kantaloepa, Honningmelon, Cantalupo, Канталупа, Πεπονάκι, البطيخ الأصفر, 멜론의 일종, Ananasový meloun, Лубенице, Milong bilog, 哈密瓜, Cantalupo, Dinja, Ananásový melón, Cantalupo, מלון, Cantaloupemelon, Belewar, マスクメロン, Cantaloup, Melone, Honningmelon, Cantalupo, Канталупа, Verkkomeloni, Пъпеш

Physical Description

Round fruit with textured skin. Tan on the exterior and pale orange on the interior.

Colors: green skin, yellow-orange flesh

Tasting Notes

Flavors: sweet

Mouthfeel: Silky, Musky, Sugary

Food complements: Mint, Basil, Feta, Bacon

Wine complements: White wine, Late harvest reisling, Reisling, Viognier

Beverage complements: Vodka, Fruit juice, Soda

Substitutes: Persian melon, Crenshaw melon, Santa claus melon, Honeydew melon, Casaba melon

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Choosing: To check if a cantaloupe is ripe, smell the fruit near where the stem was broken. Ripe cantaloupe will have a deep, sweet smell.

Buying: Available Mid summer to late summer at farmer's markets. Available mostly year-round at most grocers.

Preparation and Use

Consume the fruit within three days after cutting it open to reduce the risk of salmonella and other bacterial infection.

Cleaning: Wash the cantaloupe's skin thoroughly before cutting.

Social/Political

History: Native to India and Africa, cantaloupes were later planted by the Greeks and Romans. Christopher Columbus introduced the fruit to North America on his second voyage in 1494.