Freezing
- Preparation – Select firm-fleshed, well-colored, ripe melons. Cut in half, remove seeds and rind. Cut melons into slices, cubes or balls.
- Syrup Pack – Pack into containers and cover with cold 30 percent syrup. Leave headspace.
- Unsweetened Pack – Pack into containers, leaving headspace. Seal and freeze.
What is the best way to preserve cantaloupe?
To preserve cantaloupe for longer than its usual shelf life, keep the fruit in the freezer for up to six months. Freezing will halt the ripening process, so ensure the cantaloupe that you’re preparing for long-term storage is fully ripe so that it retains its sweetness.
What can I do with lots of melons?
Full of water, melons are super refreshing and hydrating—the perfect summer ingredient.
Here are nine ways to use them in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Salads. Melons aren’t just for fruit salads.
- Salsa.
- Skewered.
- Pickled.
- Agua Fresca.
- Soda.
- Grilled.
- Soup.
Can you freeze whole melons?
Melon keeps fairly well in the freezer for up to six months. After this, your melon might start to deteriorate or start to taste freezer burned. Luckily six months is just the perfect amount of time to see you through the winter months until fresh melon comes back into season.
How do you store melons long term?
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 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.
How do I preserve honeydew melon?
Melons (Cantaloupe, Crenshaw, Honeydew, or Watermelon)
- Preparation – Select firm-fleshed, well-colored, ripe melons. Cut in half, remove seeds and rind.
- Syrup Pack – Pack into containers and cover with cold 30 percent syrup. Leave headspace.
- Unsweetened Pack – Pack into containers, leaving headspace. Seal and freeze.
What can I do with melons that are not sweet?
He’d rub some salt across his slice of melon with his forefinger. Initially, I was doubtful, but after trying it out, I saw that he was onto something. The salt brings out what little flavor a bad melon has and compensates for any lack of sweetness. It works, truly—trust me.
Can melon be cooked?
Brush melon all over with oil and put on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until beginning to color, 3 to 8 minutes depending on your broiler. Turn melon carefully (or skip it if the melon seems too tender to turn), sprinkle with salt.
What happens if you put a whole watermelon in the freezer?
The texture does change: The flesh won’t have the same toothsome bite it offers prior to freezing. The sweetness drops just a little. Unless you seriously crave the sugary sweetness watermelon brings to a picnic, you should find the frozen version tasty.
Can you freeze an uncut watermelon?
Watermelon may be the taste of summer, but with a little planning, prep and help from your freezer, you can enjoy its juicy sweetness all year long. Yes, that’s right, watermelon is freezer-friendly.
How do you use frozen melons?
Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Make a watermelon smoothie.
- Serve frozen watermelon cubes on a stick for a mini “ice pop”
- Make an easy watermelon sorbet.
- Blend it with other fruit and make watermelon popsicles.
- Use the frozen watermelon as summery “ice cubes” in a glass of water.
How do you store cantaloupe after harvesting?
All types of melons should be stored at 95% relative humidity. Cantaloupe should be stored at 40 degrees fahrenheit, and honeydew can be stored in slightly warmer conditions, between 45-50 degrees fahrenheit. The crisper drawer in a refrigerator is a great place to store these melons once they are ripe.
How do you store a whole cantaloupe?
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.
How do you store uncut honeydew melon?
How to store honeydew. All melons store best warm, but taste undeniably more refreshing when chilled. Honeydew melons should be stored at room temperature when whole to soften and become juicier. If it’s already quite ripe or once cut, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Why should you not put melon in the fridge?
Whole melons like watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes retain their flavor best at room temperature. Storing them at normal temperatures may even help keep their nutrients intact. Plus, they take up a lot of space in the fridge. Only once they’re cut should you refrigerate them, and only for a few days at most.
How long do melons last once picked?
That depends a lot on whether you’ve cut it up or not. 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 preserve cantaloupe and watermelon?
Easy Freeze
To freeze extra melon, simply ball, cube or slice, and place the pieces on a baking sheet. Let the pieces freeze individually overnight and then move them all into a freezer zipper-topped plastic bag. Frozen melon is best enjoyed while still a little frosty and not completely thawed.
How long does cut cantaloupe last in the freezer?
How long does cut cantaloupe last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 10 to 12 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. The freezer time shown is for best quality only – cut-up cantaloupe that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
How do you defrost a cantaloupe?
If you need to defrost the cantaloupe, use an airtight container or resealable bag, and thaw the fruit overnight in the fridge. Bear in mind that there will be some water in the bag or container after defrosting. In most cases, you can just drain that water and use the fruit.
Can dogs eat cantaloupe?
So, can dogs eat cantaloupe? Yes, in moderation. The tasty melon is safe for pups and can be a healthy alternative to traditional treats, especially if your dog is overweight. Even the seeds are harmless, but you should avoid feeding them to your dog intentionally, as they can be a choking hazard.