When is cantaloupe ripe to eat?
In this brief article, we are going to answer the question “when is cantaloupe ripe to eat?”. We will also discuss how to know if a cantaloupe is fully ripe. In the end, we will discuss how to properly store cantaloupe.
When is cantaloupe ripe to eat?
Cantaloupes that are ripe to eat should have a web structure that is beige in color. This netting ought to have the appearance of elevated ridges.
In addition, the underside of the cantaloupe should have a hue that is either creamy white, sand golden, yellow, or brown. It is not ripened enough to eat if the peel is still greenish or gray in color.
A cantaloupe that is ready for eating will separate from its stems on its own, and when it does, the spot where the stem was attached should have a clear indentation in it.
When determining whether or not the fruit is ripe, look for the bottom to be smooth and spherical, with just a little indentation.
Cantaloupes that still have visible pieces of their stems should be avoided, since this indicates that they were picked far too soon after being ripe.
If you give the melon a little tap on the side, you should hear a rumbling or gurgling sound. Do not purchase it if it has a shrill and metallic tone to its sound.
It is important that the cantaloupe have exactly the proper amount of firmness; it should not be too mushy, nor should it be very rough.
If you apply pressure to the bottom of the stem, you should feel some give in it. If it is still too firm, it requires a few days to fully mature, but if it is already too mushy, it has already passed its prime.
Also, start giving the fruit a thorough shake before serving. When you shake a cantaloupe and you can hear or feel the seeds moving about within, that indicates that the cantaloupe is ready to be eaten. If there is absolutely no movement at all, you shouldn’t have it.
Take a sniff from the end of the flower, which is the reverse of the terminal of the stalk. If it’s ready, you should be able to smell something sweet, earthy, and flowery about it.
How to know if a cantaloupe is fully ripe?
You may quickly determine if or not you are working with a mature cantaloupe by doing the following easy inspection:
Sniff it
Cantaloupes that are picked at the peak of their ripeness give out an aroma that is aromatic, sweet, and has a hint of smokiness, which is clearly discernible through the cantaloupe’s thick skin. If there is no perfume or if it is very weak, the fruit is not yet ripe; if it has a foul odor, it has already begun to decay.
Shake it
A ripe cantaloupe will have seeds that are dispersed throughout the flesh and will need you to scoop them out.
It is possible to tell whether or not the fruit has reached maturity based on whether or not you can feel the seeds moving around within. If there is no indication of movement inside, the cantaloupe needs further time to ripen.
Squeeze it
Your thumbs should be used to provide pressure on the stem region at the tip of the cantaloupe. It should be solid, but not as hard as a rock; instead, it should give somewhat when pressure is applied.
If it is too firm, then it is not mature enough. If it is too mushy, then it has passed its prime. If your thumbs disappear into a lump of mush when you poke them, get out of there.
How to properly store cantaloupe?
Cantaloupes last a bit longer if refrigerated once they reach peak ripeness.
A cantaloupe has to be refrigerated after being sliced. If you’re going to cut it up into wedges, it’s best if you leave the pips and pulp on. Keep leftovers for up to 3 – 4 days if stored in an airtight jar or tightly wrapped in plastic.
Cantaloupes should be washed well before they are sliced. Although the rind is not consumed, it may provide a pathway for germs from the outside to penetrate in the fruit.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we answered the question “when is cantaloupe ripe to eat?”. We also discussed how to know if a cantaloupe is fully ripe. In the end, we discussed how to properly store cantaloupe.
