Cantaloupe is a variety of summer melon which has brown colored cracked skin with a green undertone in the background. Because of its brown rock like appearance, its also referred to as ‘rockmelon‘.
A ripe cantaloupe flesh is orange in color and slightly sticky to the touch. Cantaloupe flesh has a juicy sweet flavor. Similar to many other melons, cantaloupe is hollow from the center and bears a seed cavity.
Average diameter of a cantaloupe is about 12 cm (5 inches). Average weight of a cantaloupe ranges from 500 – 5000 grams (17.6 – 176 ounces or 1- 11 pounds).
Scientific name of Cantaloupe
Cucurbita Pepo
Other names of Cantaloupe
- Sweet Melon
- Spanspek
- Orange Melon
- Cantalupo
- Rockmelon
Calories by source in Cantaloupe
- Calories by carbohydrate in Cantaloupe = 86%
- Calories by fat in Cantaloupe = 4%
- Calories by protein in Cantaloupe = 10%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Cantaloupe
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Cantaloupe = 60%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Cantaloupe = 38%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Cantaloupe = 2%
Nutrition facts of Cantaloupe
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 34 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.18 | GRAM | 0% |
| Protein | 0.82 | GRAM | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 8.16 | GRAM | 3% |
Detailed vitamin profile of Cantaloupe, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of Cantaloupe, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Cantaloupe
- Unripe cantaloupe is green in color
- Ripe cantaloupe will be light brown ( golden – tan ) in color with light cracks on the surface
- Ripe cantaloupe has a very musky smell
- Check the blossom end and stem end of cantaloupe. Gently press the fruit, a ripe cantaloupe will give in a little at the blossom and stem ends
- Remember, the smell test for frozen cantaloupes in the stores is hard to do
- The flesh of the ripe cantaloupe will be bright orange
Availability of Cantaloupe
- The Seasons of cantaloupes depend on the geographical location where it is being cultivated
- Iran – Cantaloupes season ranges from Feb – March and June – July
- Egypt – Cantaloupes season ranges from may – June
- USA – Cantaloupes season ranges from June – October
How to store Cantaloupe
- Unripe cantaloupe can be stored at room temperature till it changes color and ripens
- Whole ripe cantaloupe can be stored in refrigerator for 4-5 days
- Cut wedges of the cantaloupe can be stored in container for 2-3 days
- Freeze storing whole cantaloupe is not recommended
- For storing the cantaloupe in freezer, peel and cut slices of cantaloupe and remove the seeds
- Flash freeze the pieces and after freezing transfer the pieces to freeze container or freeze bag to store in the freezer
- Frozen cantaloupe can be stored in freezer for 10 -12 months
Complete nutrition facts of Cantaloupe
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Cantaloupe nutrition chart/infographic.
