Early variety that produces large, 5-6 pound fruits. ‘Hale’s Best Jumbo’ — 80-90 days to maturity. Produces 3-pound, aromatic melons.
How do you know when a homegrown cantaloupe is ripe?
Check for “full slip.” Cantaloupe will tell you when they are ready for harvest by “slipping” off the vine. A light touch should make a ripe melon come right off the vine—this is called “full slip.” If a light tug on the stem end doesn’t make the cantaloupe come straight off the vine, then it probably isn’t ready.
What is the average size of a cantaloupe?
The Average Size Of Cantaloupe
| Cantaloupe | Diameter |
|---|---|
| Large | Around 6 ½ inches |
| Medium | Around 5 Inches |
| Small | Around 4 ¼ Inches |
How do you know when melons are ready to pick?
Signs of ripeness include: The spot where the fruit touches the ground becomes more prominent and changes color (typically yellow). The tendril closest to the fruit becomes brown and dries up. Ripe melons have a hollow, dull sound.
How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?
Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.
Will cantaloupe ripen off the vine?
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.
How long is cantaloupe good after picking?
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.
Does the average cantaloupe weigh?
The average medium-sized cantaloupe weighs about three pounds and yields roughly four-and-a-half cups of cubed fruit.
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 does a ripe cantaloupe look like?
Check the look and color.
The rind should be a sandy gold, not green, 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.
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.
How do you store melons?
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.
How much room does a cantaloupe plant need?
Give cantaloupe plenty of room to grow
Thin seedlings and keep only the strongest seedling in each group. Space plants 24-36 inches apart if left to sprawl on the ground. Space plants about 12 inches apart if growing up a trellis. If using square foot gardening methods, allow 2-3 square feet for each plant.
Will cantaloupe climb a trellis?
The good news is that with a pinch of creativity and a dash of careful setup, anyone can train cantaloupe to grow vertically on a trellis of nearly any type. So don’t shy away from growing these delicious melons (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus), which you can learn more about in our growing guide.
What can you not plant with cantaloupe?
Some of the best companion plants for cantaloupes include marigolds, nasturtiums, radishes, and lettuce. Avoid planting cucumbers, watermelons or squash near cantaloupes, as they are susceptible to the same pests!
Why are my cantaloupes not sweet?
According to Penn Live, cantaloupes grow without ripening much at all until they are almost ready to pick. 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.
How do you make cantaloupe sweeter?
Heat brings out melons’ sweetness, so make sure to plant them in a location that warms up early in spring and stays hot through the end of September. The south side of a fence or wall is ideal as the structure will absorb heat and light from the sun and reflect it back onto the melons.
Should uncut 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.
How can you tell a good cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is a seasonal fruit and warm spring weather brings the right time to start purchasing cantaloupe. 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.
Is it OK to freeze cantaloupe?
Freezer bags should be used to keep cantaloupe pieces. Cantaloupes can be frozen and kept for up to 6 months if frozen properly. If you’re looking for a quick meal or snack, frozen cantaloupe is an excellent choice. They will keep for up to six months in the freezer and will be just as tasty as they were fresh.
What’s the biggest cantaloupe?
The fruit was of the North Carolina Giant variety. The cantaloupe had a circumference of 136.625 inches (347 cm).