From June through August, cantaloupes are at their peak of flavor. Along with tasting great, they’re an excellent source of vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Whether you enjoy them sliced, cubed or halved, cantaloupes are a refreshing, healthy addition to salads, desserts, beverages and more.
What is the best time to eat cantaloupe?
At just 50 calories, a cup of diced cantaloupe provides almost 100% of the daily requirement for vitamins A and C. That antioxidant boost, just an hour before bed, can help you sleep better.
Where is cantaloupe in season now?
When is cantaloupe season?
| State | Cantaloupe in season |
|---|---|
| Alaska | July till September |
| Arizona | May till November |
| Arkansas | July till October |
| California | May till November |
Is cantaloupe available in winter?
Winter: As a fruit with year-round availability, cantaloupe is available at a decent price when a lot of other fruits are not.
Can you get cantaloupe year-round?
Scoop some up now while it’s in season. Muskmelons (that is, orange cantaloupe and green honeydew) are available from July through August and sometimes as late as mid-October in warmer climates. Related to squash, watermelon and cucumbers, these fruits are savored for their juicy goodness and sweet punch of flavor.
Should a cantaloupe 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.
Which is healthier watermelon or cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe has more immune system-boosting vitamin C than watermelon. It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help to prevent macular degeneration, in which the retina deteriorates. It is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A — good for eyesight and for the skin.
What state has the best cantaloupe?
California produced the most cantaloupe in the United States in 2021 followed by Arizona and Georgia. California produced 690.3 million pounds of cantaloupe in 2021, accounting for more than 65% of the cantaloupe produced in the United States.
Where do the best cantaloupes come from?
Other states that produce cantaloupe commercially in limited volume include Texas, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In our opinion, of course, the best place to grow cantaloupe is sunny California.
What fruit is in season right now?
Spring Produce
Fruits: Apricots, avocados, bananas, grapefruit, kiwifruit, lemons, limes, oranges, passionfruit, pineapples, and strawberries.
Is cantaloupe in season in December?
California cantaloupe is available in supermarkets and restaurants around the country from April through early December. During these months, the majority of cantaloupe is produced in California.
How long will cantaloupe last in the refrigerator?
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.
How do you keep cantaloupe fresh longer?
The optimal relative humidity is 95 to 100 percent, which prevents drying. If possible, place cantaloupe in the refrigerator crisper, where the humidity tends to be higher. Under these conditions, freshly harvested cantaloupe, picked at full slip, lasts about 5 to 15 days, depending on variety and growing conditions.
Can you freeze cantaloupe?
-Cut a cantaloupe or watermelon into 1 inch chunks. -Place the cantaloupe pieces on a lined baking tray (use parchment, plastic wrap, or wax paper). –Place the tray into the freezer to quick freeze the cantaloupe. -After pieces freeze solid, pack them into freezer bags or containers.
Are cantaloupes good for you?
The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C present in cantaloupe are vital nutrients for your heart health. Potassium can help to lower high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Fiber helps to decrease levels of “bad cholesterol” in your body. It can also keep your blood pressure in check.
How can you tell if a cantaloupe is ripe?
To select a ripe cantaloupe, look for tan cantaloupe with light green lines across it, and avoid choosing melons with brown or soft spots. The melon should be firm but not too soft or too hard.
Should you wash cantaloupe?
Foodborne illness prevention
Wash your cantaloupe: By scrubbing the exterior of the fruit with antibacterial soap, you can remove harmful bacteria from the rind before you cut into it. Washing the rind is a simple step, but it can make all the difference.
How do you sweeten 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 I make cantaloupe taste better?
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.
What fruit is best for weight loss?
The 11 Best Fruits for Weight Loss
- Grapefruit. Share on Pinterest.
- Apples. Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, with 116 calories and 5.4 grams of fiber per large fruit (223 grams) ( 1 ).
- Berries. Berries are low-calorie nutrient powerhouses.
- Stone Fruits. Share on Pinterest.
- Passion Fruit.
- Rhubarb.
- Kiwifruit.
- Melons.
Is it okay to eat a cantaloupe a day?
Most adults need to eat anywhere from one to two cups of fruit per day and cantaloupe is a stellar choice: not only is it chock full of water, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, says Amy Shapiro, RD, CDN, and founder of Real Nutrition, you don’t even need to be wary of the sugar found in fresh fruit.