A cantaloupe, scientifically called Cucumis melo, is a type of musk melon that is found in various regions of the world. The often underestimated fruit can be a nutritious addition to your daily diet, although it is sometimes tricky to pick the right one when visiting the grocery store. Learn how to pick a good cantaloupe in this comprehensive guide.
Cantaloupes are believed to have originated from Persia, Southwest Asia. The fruit is currently widely produced in Turkey, Spain, Australia, and the United States. The fruit is also grown in South Africa in the country's warm regions.
Getting a good Cucumis melo is not easy because you cannot see the inside of the fruit. Here are some tips on how to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe and sweet;
Unlike fruits like bananas and avocados that ripen after being picked, a Cucumis melo must be picked at peak ripeness if you want to enjoy it as a juicy and delicious snack. Avoid harvesting it when the rind is still green and the stem is still firmly attached.
If the fruit has not ripened properly after picking it or purchasing it from the store, you can place it in a brown paper bag with a banana. Bananas are known to produce ethylene gas that ripens the fruit. Leave it for up to four days at room temperature for a sweeter and juicer outcome.
Whole Cucumis melos should be kept at room temperature. Once you have cut them into slices or cubes, place them in an airtight container or plastic wrap, then store them in the refrigerator. The slices can stay in the fridge for up to three days.
To cut Cucumis melo, you will need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a spoon, then follow these simple steps;
There are many ways to eat the musk melon fruit. Below are some ideas;
Cantaloupes have several nutritional benefits, according to various expert medical studies. Dietician and nutritionist Heather Mangieri reveals that a Cucumis melo is a source of multiple crucial nutrients for your body (via Live Science).
One cup of cantaloupe contains only about 55 calories (due to its high water content) but offers over 100% of your daily needs for vitamin A, over 50% of the daily needs for vitamin C, 1.5 grams of fibre and is a good source of potassium.
Their high water content (about 90%) makes them a perfect source of hydration during the summer. Vitamin A and C are important antioxidants. According to RD and CDN Amy Shapiro, the vitamin C content in Cucumis melo is about 95% of your daily needs (via Eat This, Not That!).
A cup of cantaloupe provides 65 milligrams of vitamin C, and the current dietary guidelines recommend that women get 65 milligrams of vitamin C per day while men aim for 75 milligrams.
Dietary fibre in Cucumis melo is crucial for digestion and helps slow down the absorption of sugars, hence high blood sugar control. The fruit also contains potassium, which is vital for cardiovascular health, according to Shapiro.
Choosing the right Cucumis melo is a mystery to many people, but it is crucial if you want to enjoy the sweet summer fruit. Here are some frequently asked questions;
It is crucial to know how to pick sweet cantaloupe at a store. The fruit is ripe when it feels heavier than its size, is slightly coarse, has a yellow or beige rind, the stem yields slightly to pressure and has a sweet, musky aroma.
Cucumis melo should be firm with a slight give at the stem end, indicating it is ripe and ready to eat. If it is too hard, it may need more time to ripen; if it is too soft, it might be overripe.
A perfect ripe cantaloupe should have a yellow, beige, or tan colour. If the flesh inside is green, then the fruit is not ripe yet.
For its appearance, the exterior should be beige or yellow, while the area where the stem was attached should be smooth and slightly sunken. For its feel, ripe Cucumis melo should yield slightly when gently pressed at the stem end and be heavy for its size.
Learning how to pick a good cantaloupe is a straightforward procedure. Make your next grocery store visit worth your while by choosing the right fruit.
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2024-06-24T13:15:40Z dg43tfdfdgfd