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 homegrown 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 keep uncut cantaloupe fresh?
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.
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 long can you keep an uncut cantaloupe?
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 know when a homegrown cantaloupe is ripe?
When rinds begin to change from green to tan or yellow, the melon is typically ripe enough to pick. Be careful not to pick too early, however. Look for a crack in the stem where it attaches to the fruit. This is a sign of ripeness as well.
How long will cantaloupe stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Store cantaloupes ideally at 36 to 41 °F with a relative humidity of 95%. Under these conditions, cantaloupes are acceptable for up to 3 weeks. Cantaloupes stored at refrigeration temperatures below 41 °F will have approximate shelf life of up to 5 days.
Will a cantaloupe continue to ripen after being picked?
However, cantaloupe and similar fruit will continue to ripen after harvest. Once into the ripening process, fruit will gain sugar, flavor will improve and flesh soften.
Should you wash the outside of a cantaloupe before cutting?
Many of the illnesses have been associated with cantaloupe consumption. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting melons. Before cutting, wash the outer surface of the melon thoroughly with cool tap water to remove surface dirt; scrub with a clean produce brush.
Do whole cantaloupes need to be refrigerated?
Melon: Melons, including watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew, should be kept at room temperature until you cut into them to ensure they have the best flavor. Once they’ve been cut into, store them in the refrigerator and be sure to eat within four days.
Why is it important to wash a cantaloupe before slicing?
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 long does it take for a cantaloupe to ripen on the counter?
Leave the melon out at room temperature until ripe.
Usually, the process will only take about two days, if not quicker. Make sure that the place you store the melon is neither excessively cold or excessively hot. You should also avoid areas that are heavy in moisture or particularly drafty.
Where do you store uncut cantaloupe?
1. Storing a whole cantaloupe: Whole melons will keep on the countertop in a cool, dry spot for a couple of days and up to five days in the fridge after ripening. If your cantaloupe is not fully ripe, leave it on the kitchen counter at room temperature for a day or two to allow it to mature.
Can you freeze uncut cantaloupe?
Yes! Learning how to freeze cantaloupe—whether in chunks or pureed— is a great way to have access to a nutritional and delicious summer fruit whenever you want.
How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?
Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.
How can you tell if a cantaloupe is sweet?
A ripe cantaloupe should have an overall sweet smell, but I get the absolute best melon by putting my nose close to the blossom end (the end opposite the stem). It should smell sweet and slightly musky. If it doesn’t smell good, I don’t buy it.
What months are cantaloupe good?
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.
Can you freeze a whole cantaloupe?
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 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.
Will a cantaloupe ripen faster in a paper bag?
Set the cantaloupe in a paper bag once you want to speed up the ripening process. Keep it at room temperature during this process. Place ethylene-producing fruits such as an apple or banana in the paper bag with the cantaloupe to further speed up the ripening.
Why are my cantaloupes not sweet?
Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) flavor depends upon environmental conditions. High rainfall or excessive irrigation as the cantaloupes near maturity will adversely affect fruit flavor. Also, diseases which reduce the vigor of the plant and the leaves’ ability to produce sugar will affect fruit flavor.