Melons are at their peak freshness right now. If you are at the grocery store but are hesitating to pick one up because you aren’t sure what to do with it, I can help! It is important to wash your cantaloupe and then when you cut your cantaloupe if you store it correctly it will be fresh for about two weeks. Keep reading for all of the directions so you can enjoy fresh cantaloupe this summer!
Picking The Perfect Cantaloupe
When I am at the grocery store, I take a few extra minutes to examine my cantaloupe before selecting one. I look for more detailed lacing on the outside of the melon. I also look closely at the outside and if I can begin to see the wedges forming, I select that melon. They look like small ridges.
When you pick up a cantaloupe, you want to select one that feels heavy. If it feels light, it means that it is full of seeds and there is less fruit for you to enjoy. Keep these things in mind when you are at the store trying to select the perfect cantaloupe.
Is my Cantaloupe Ripe?
If you can smell your cantaloupe, then I always say that is when it needs to be cut. It means that it is ripe and if you leave it much longer, it will be past its peak freshness. You can feel the end of the cantaloupe where the stem was and if it is soft, then it is ready to be cut.
There is not a certain amount of time that a cantaloupe can stay on your counter or in your pantry before being cut. It depends on how long it traveled for and how long it was in the grocery store before you bought it. Additionally, the temperature of your home will have an impact on how fast it ripens. It is best to watch for signs of ripeness or simply cut it when you want to eat it.
How to Wash Cantaloupe
- After picking out the perfect cantaloupe at the grocery store, I bring it home and wash it right away.
- When I’m washing melons or other large fruits, I use a large stock pot instead of a bowl. This allows me to fit more water and wash them more effectively.
- In the stockpot I put about 10 cups of water and ¼ cup of 5% distilled white vinegar. Use that same ratio if you need to add more liquid to your container.
- Add the cantaloupe to the container and allow it to soak for two minutes, rotating it around so that all sides are submerged.
- Remove it from the water and allow it to dry on a cloth on your counter.
- Once the cantaloupe is washed, it is ready to be cut or it can remain in your counter or in your pantry until you are ready to cut it.
Cutting & Storage
When I had littles in my home, they enjoyed eating cantaloupe smiles. This is what they called slices that were cut to look like smiles. If you hold a cantaloupe slice in front of your mouth, you’ll see what I mean and it is sure to make you smile.
I would also cut some of the cantaloupe into small, bite size pieces. The rest I would leave in smiles. You can always cut the smiles smaller but once they are cut, you can’t get the bigger pieces again, so leave plenty in the larger size.
I store the cut cantaloupe in a glass container with an airtight lid. The cantaloupe will stay fresh in this container for 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
My book, the Zero Waste Produce Guide has directions for washing and storing 75 produce items! It also includes recipe inspiration, fridge organization tips, and so much more. Cantaloupe is also included in that book.
Learn More On YouTube
If you want to learn more about keeping produce fresh, be sure to check out my YouTube Channel!
I have a full video on cantaloupe as well as other melons and hundreds of other videos on various produce items as well as recipes and information for spending less on groceries!
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