There are several things that you need to look for when choosing a cantaloupe. Among them are its smell and ripeness. You need to inspect the stems as well. If you take the time to do this, you will be able to find the best one for you.
Ripeness
Cantaloupe ripeness isn’t always easy to determine. The color, texture and aroma are just a few of the clues that let you know the fruit is ready to eat. While these clues aren’t necessarily the only way to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe, they are often the most obvious.
Ripe cantaloupes will have a sandy-gold rind with a cream-colored interior. They should also have a beige webbing pattern. This pattern is usually formed by ridges and raised edges.
Ripe cantaloupes should have a sweet musky smell. The blossom end is also an indication of ripeness. If the melon has a sour smell, it is not yet ripe.
Some cantaloupes will have a whitish rind that is not related to the flavor. These melons will not have the same sweet and musky smell that a ripe cantaloupe will. Similarly, green cantaloupes aren’t ripe.
When picking cantaloupes, be sure to cut the stem close to the fruit. Once it is detached, it should be stored in a cool dry place.
Inspect the stems
When picking cantaloupes, it’s important to check the stem for signs of ripeness. Although there are no hard and fast rules for determining ripeness, you can use a few simple techniques to tell if a melon is at its peak.
The first step is to check the color. A cantaloupe with a cream-colored rind is considered ripe. If the melon is green, the rind is unripe.
You can also check for a cantaloupe’s scent. In general, a ripe cantaloupe should have a sweet odor. This odor comes from a variety of compounds. Some of these include aldehydes, terpenes, and esters.
Cantaloupes should also be firm when you press them. If there is too much give, the melon is past its prime. However, you can still use it a few days later.
When you’re checking the cantaloupe stem, you’ll want to see if there are any bruises or spots. Bruises and mushy spots are signs of decay.
Smell
If you are buying a cantaloupe, there are some signs you should look out for to help you decide if it is ripe. One of these signs is the scent of the cantaloupe. It can be sweet, musky or even floral.
You should also look for a firm stem. This indicates the cantaloupe has been picked at the right time. The surface of a ripe cantaloupe should be soft but firm like a pineapple.
A cantaloupe should smell sweet, but not musty. Cantaloupes that are overripe have a strong smell of fermented melon. They are not good to eat.
Another sign you should look out for is a hollow sound. Most ripe cantaloupes will make a hollow sound when you tap them on the rind. However, if you notice a cantaloupe that makes a high, hollow sound, it is not ripe.
Another sign of ripeness is the color. Cantaloupes should be golden yellow. Similarly, the rind should be beige or sandy gold.
Store it
When it comes to storing a cantaloupe, you have several options. You can freeze it or keep it whole in the fridge. Either way, it will last a few days.
Before you store your cantaloupe, you should wash it thoroughly. The skin can be bumpy and may harbor bacteria and other dirt. It is important to rinse it off with a clean brush and dry it off completely.
Once you have washed the cantaloupe, it is time to cut it into smaller pieces. Do not remove seeds. Leaving the seeds on the cantaloupe helps to retain moisture.
Next, you can dice the cantaloupe into one-inch chunks. These are then wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
After you have finished eating the cantaloupe, you can freeze it for later use. Frozen cantaloupe is good for up to six months in the freezer. If you want to freeze it for a longer period of time, you can flash-freeze it.
