Lay the melon on its side on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, remove half an inch off the top and bottom of the melon. Stand the melon on one of the cut sides. Starting from the top, and following the contour of the melon, carefully peel the skin off with the knife, about ¼ inch in depth.
What should you do to melons before cutting?
Grab a knife and cut your melon in half, making sure to cut through the stem area. Be sure to wash your melon thoroughly before cutting, so you don’t carry any surface bacteria into the edible melon flesh.
How do you get the skin off a honeydew melon?
To peel and slice a seeded melon such as honeydew or cantaloupe, start by topping and tailing, then stand on end, and cut away the rind following the natural contour of the melon with your knife blade. Once the melon is peeled, slice in half and scoop out seeds with a large soup spoon.
How do you know when a melon is ripe enough to cut?
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.
What’s the difference between melon and cantaloupe?
Honeydew melon and cantaloupe are two popular varieties of melon. Honeydew melon has a smooth, light-colored rind and green flesh, while cantaloupe has a darker, netted rind and orange flesh. Both are sweet and nutritious, but cantaloupe contains more vitamin C and provitamin A.
How do you keep melon fresh after cutting?
The best way to store any piece of cut melon, regardless of the size, is wrapping the cut end with plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How long does melon last once cut?
Refrigerate cut melon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place cut melon pieces in a resealable, airtight plastic container. Keep it in the fridge for no more than 3 days before discarding it. Ripe, cut melon will start to disintegrate after this time.
How do you make cut melons sweeter?
Use a knife to slice a lemon or lime in half and squeeze about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of juice over sliced or cubed watermelon. Some people find that a boost of acidity makes the melon taste sweeter. Try adding salt and pepper to round out the flavor. Or, if you like spicy foods, add some cayenne or hot sauce!
Are melons good for you?
Melons are low in sodium, and very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, potassium, and copper, and a very good source of vitamin C and vitamin B6.
Which is better cantaloupe or honeydew?
Cantaloupe contains twice the amount of vitamin C as does honeydew, 61% DV versus 30% DV in honeydew. In vitamin A, Cantaloupe wins again with 68% DV compared to 1% DV in honeydew. Both are based on a 3.5 ounce serving. If it is beta carotene you are wanting, cantaloupe is the melon you want.
Is the melon skin edible?
The rind, which is the green skin that keeps all that water-logged delicious fruit safe, is completely edible.
Should you wash melons before cutting?
Before cutting, wash the outer surface of the melon thoroughly with cool tap water to remove surface dirt; scrub with a clean produce brush. Wash all food-contact equipment and utensils that contact cut melons (cutting boards, knives, etc.)
How can you tell if a melon is too ripe?
Check the look and color.
Avoid any cantaloupes with discoloration. The perfect cantaloupe should have some give when you press on the stem end. If it is rock-hard, it is an unripe melon. If too soft it may be overripe or rotting.
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.
How do you make melons taste better?
The salt brings out what little flavor a bad melon has and compensates for any lack of sweetness. It works, truly—trust me. Since, I’ve introduced this idea to the office, and it turns out there are even other ways to gussy up an otherwise drab melon. Some swear by a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.
What does knocking on a melon do?
Knocking on a watermelon is a commonly used way to test if the fruit is fresh and ripe. If you knock on a watermelon and it makes a hollow sound, that’s a sign that it’s ripe. If it sounds like it’s full, it’s not ready yet.
What do you sprinkle on a melon?
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.
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.
Can you keep melon in the fridge?
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.
Is melon anti inflammatory?
Previous studies have shown that watermelon or components that are abundant in watermelon (eg, citrulline) have anti-inflammatory effects.
How long will a whole melon last in the fridge?
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.