This orange-fleshed fruit is the most popular variety of melon in the U.S. How to ripen. Cantaloupe melon softens and becomes even more flavorful after spending a day or two on the counter. To determine whether it’s ready to serve, smell the stem end of the fruit. It should have the sweet scent that makes it such a hit among fruit fans.How to store: Once it’s ripe, cantaloupe is best kept in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.How to prep: Purists use the cantaloupe as a bowl, eating the pale orange fruit directly out of this halved melon, sometimes even adding ice cream.Cut in half, length-wise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Cut slices through the fruit of the melon. Run a sharp knife along the rind to release the fruit in strips. Chef’s tip: Add a fiery kick to this luscious fruit by sprinkling slices with a chili salt, bringing together the winning combination of sweet and heat….
Grown in Washington or Oregon
An orange-flesh fruit, cantaloupe offers high concentration of vitamin A
Can be stored at room temperature when whole, once sliced be sure to wrap and store in the refrigerator