Lots of info on the web about to do with "unripe cantaloupes", but most of those ideas are for unripe cantaloupes you buy in the store. mayonnaise. Check it every day. grape. Even after a year has passed, frozen cantaloupe will still be safe to consume. Pick off additional fruit once several fruits have formed. Dishes of cantaloupe 1.1 Watermelon cream cake If it smells over-sweet it's most likely overripe. 7. Cantaloupe will only ripen on the vine. There are so many ways to have your cantaloupe. Adding at least 6 inches of compost to the soil or growing cantaloupes in a well-aged compost heap often work well. Look at the cantaloupe on these vines! What flavors go with cantaloupe? 6. Will a cantaloupe ripen in the refrigerator? Cantaloupes love to sprawl around, you should plant them at least 36 to 42 inches apart in well-drained rich soils. Weather turning cold, vines dying. For best flavor, allow the cantaloupe to ripen on the vine until it's slightly soft to the touch and smells fragrant. Make the batter: Whisk the flour, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and leaveners in a bowl. It contrasts their sweetness and accentuates their refreshing qualities. Cantaloupe Recipes. Cantaloupe, Cucumis melo, is a vining plant in the family Cucurbitaceae, grown for its large, sweet fruit of the same name.Cantaloupe vines are trailing and are slightly hairy with simple oval leaves arranged alternately on the stem. The pH balance should remain around 6-6.5. Their thick outer shellbe it green and striped, or tan and crackly like the desert floorhides a sweet, tantalizing. My watermelon trellis worked really well this summer. After cantaloupe has been cut open, the ripening process stops, and you may be left with an unripe melon. In comparison, un frozen cantaloupe can start to rot after just two weeks, or one week if you have cut it open. Use one tablespoon epsom salt in one gallon of water. A perfectly r basil. Cantaloupes sweeten pretty quickly towards the end, so picking even a few days too soon can cost you flavor. It is known as the "king of melons", and dried cantaloupe can reach 60% sugar content and above. The first recipe that we tried was a cantaloupe smoothie . Watermelon Trellis. 3. Prosciutto-wrapped honeydew is a common summer appetizer, and adding in cantaloupe offers a fun twist on the usual. Melons hold so much promise. So, eat in moderation when eating, high sugar fruit eat more indeed easy to gain weight. Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews lean sweetand that's why they play so well with salt, vinegar, and cheese. This way, no one will feel left out and they will all have something they enjoy. I had always just enjoyed cantaloupe fresh and never really thought it needed to be used other ways. This recipe originally appeared on Food52. You can give it a slight twist and the fruit should come right off. 5. Fold the mixture into a tub of sweetened whipped topping. Add 2 cups of diced watermelon. Ahhcool and refreshing recipes with cantaloupe help beat the summer heat. 4. The melon has become miraculously sweeter thanks to salt! Insert two or three muskmelon seeds 1/2- to 1 inch deep in the soil. Step 1: Cut the cantaloupe horizontally. Me and my little guy picked white the haul tonight. The cantaloupes are oblong, orange-fleshed, lightly netted, and about 3 pounds. Cantaloupes that are soft or squishy will not be as delicious. Read on If you want to know how to ripen a freshly . You could probably even use a mild-flavored fruit juice to sweeten it. Simple Cantaloupe Smoothie 27 Ratings Cantaloupe Crunch 40 Ratings Quick Cantaloupe Juice 5 Ratings Agua Fresca 21 Ratings Cantaloupe Bread with Praline Glaze 173 Ratings Cantaloupe Pie I 18 Ratings Chilled Cantaloupe Soup 73 Ratings Having said that, you can improve the texture of the melon by throwing it in the fridge or allowing it to sit at room temperature. In the fresh flesh of cantaloupe, the content of vitamins is 4 to 7 times more than watermelon, 6 times higher than apple and 1.3 times higher than apricot. Cut a 5-inch "X" in the plastic mulch every 18 to 24 inches lengthwise down the center of the bed, using a utility knife. But there are three key factors that determine whether cantaloupe will taste deliciously sweet. Place the cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cantaloupe should feel heavier than it looks and smell musky and sweet. Cantaloupes require many nutrients when growing, therefore use several inches of compost and other rich organic matter to improve your soil before planting. What to put on cantaloupe? Check the stem: The stem end should appear round, smooth, and slightly concave (indented). You can also put cantaloupe cubes on skewers, then enjoy them with a yogurt dip. Make sure to get both the bugs and their eggs off the leaves. Spray when leaves begin to vine and again when fruit is growing. Five 5-inch (yeah, bigger than softballs), very unripe cantaloupes still on the vines. This indicates that the cantaloupe has been grown in hot, sunny conditions. When the cantaloupe is ripe enough, remove it from the fridge. Try a piece of cantaloupe. Image by depositphotos/AndreySt The fruit should slip off the vine at just the slightest tug when it's ripe. If it still needs to be sweetened, sprinkle more sugar and toss the cantaloupe again. The yellowish spot can indicate that the melon is ripe. Whip up a cantaloupe drink or one of our canatloupe smoothies, chop it up for a fresh salad, or enjoy a cantalope appetizer. Used tomato clips to train the vines an help support the fruit when developed. For cantaloupe slices, place them in an airtight container before you refrigerate. Or something better? 3. olive oil. You should only need to use a little force, and the stem should begin to separate easily. We varied this up as we made it a cantaloupe/banana smoothie. The most common reason for cantaloupe to be not sweet is due to it not being ripe enough. Cantaloupe is a sweet and cool tasting fruit that is perfect for summer. When to Plant The best time to plant cantaloupe may be determined by your location. 2. Toss the cantaloupe gently with the sugar until it has been evenly distributed. Freeze blended watermelon and strawberries and pour into ice pop molds Prepare watermelon gelatin with 1/4 cup of boiling water. Keep plants about 3 feet apart. If you see a large, smooth yellowish spot or patch on the surface, that's where the cantaloupe was resting in the field. Now you can enjoy summer sweetness all year long. We decided to try two of the recipes (varying them slightly as we are never really ones to follow them exactly). lemon. pinch paprika. Pour into a 9-inch square baking dish. Common flavor pairings for cantaloupe sour cream. Ripe cantaloupes will turn orange-yellow and soft to the touch. I wasn't sure any of these sweet potato slips or the three volunteer cantaloupe plants would even make it in this God-awful heat. Ripening only one fruit at a time maximizes sweetness. Parsley and mint are the herbs of choice, but any will work: try tarragon, cilantro, or basil. Fragrant Smell: It should give off a pleasant and sweet aroma that's slightly musky. Cantaloupe continues to ripen only when left intact. We invite you to explore with VinID about What is good with cantaloupe, Easy to process through the article. Bake: Divide the batter between the two loaf pans and bake for 50 . Compost? if it is maybe you can use that pic over the chest. Frozen cantaloupe is a sweet taste sensation when used in melon sorbets, ice creams, in fruit salads, or turned into compote. perfectly ripe cantaloupe, chilled in the fridge. It's also possible to succeed at growing cantaloupe in containers. Tip Cutting into a melon is like a drumroll: You slice with anticipation, suspense. Fill it up with some water, and you want to take a spoon and mash all of the pulp and seeds into a slurry. 2) Look for firmness and shape. Cantaloupe contains vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and other nutrients, moderate consumption is very good for the body, the dietary fiber can also promote the peristalsis of the intestines to help digestion, but the fructose content of cantaloupe is richer, after a full meal and then eat cantaloupe, fructose can not enter the intestines in . El Gordo is a massive cantaloupe bursting with flavor and sweetness. of these babies on the vines, just this size and a lot more little ones waiting to grow. Sniff it. The paper bag is the best option as the decaying of the ethylene gas will make the cantaloupe ripen faster. However, you can soften the texture and the color may be changed. They bulb up on the ends of vines like basketballs swollen by the press of a foot pump. Also, you should be able to press your thumb in slightly on the bottom and there shouldn't be a lip around the stem. Cantaloupe will stay fresh in the freezer for up to one year. They have an average flavor that is plenty sweet. Add Filter. And there's a chance that one of those three factors won't affect the whole crop. vinegar. No, a cantaloupe won't ripen after it has been cut. Smooth edges - The stem should be smooth when cut from the fruit. The more time it spends in the fridge, the better it will be. honey. And you. Try it in a soup or on the grill! Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 45 minutes. Salt makes their flavor pop. During the summer, I can imagine no better dessert than a melon. Let it cool. However, cantaloupes -- unlike most melons -- can be ripened by exposure to the ethylene gas that bananas, apples and some other fruits emit. Poor pollination explains the lack of fruit. Cantaloupe + Vanilla Ice Cream. Straighten up the covers on your bed and maybe add a couple decorative pillows and a pretty folded blanket at the foot of the bed in a color to compliment the pics in your room. Looking for a way to get great cantaloupe harvests year after year? pinch coarse sea salt. X Research source. You can let a cantaloupe ripen on your countertop if you get one under-ripe. When possible, try using ingredients that are popular in multiple countries or regions. If you don't notice any smell, it's likely not ripe. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and fold until just blended. But our 50 recipes show there are many other ways to enjoy Cantaloupe. See also What Cheese Goes Well With Cantaloupe? Sliced Cantaloupes Wrap the rest of the fruit in plastic wrap and refrigerate. To harvest your cantaloupe from the vine, gently pull on it with two hands. Place your thumb directly next to the stem and apply pressure to the side of the stem. Mix cantaloupe, sugar, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons melted butter, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a medium bowl. A cantaloupe takes 2-3 days to ripen after being picked. In most cases, the answer is no. What goes best with cantaloupe? According to. cucumber. Try a cantaloupe agua fresca--blend the cantaloupe with lime juice and honey or agave for sweetness. If the seeds themselves have fallen out, then your melon is perfectly ripe. Answer: Cracking is a problem commonly face by gardeners growing all types of melons. All you need to do is take a hose with a strong sprayer and spray the aphids off of your cantaloupe leaves, making sure to aim away from the rest of the garden (otherwise, you are simply spreading the aphids around!). Stem: If the stem is still attached, then the cantaloupe was picked too soon. Muskmelons (cantaloupe) are in the mid-October season if you live in a country with a warm climate. How to ripen a cantaloupe that has been cut? Once off the branch, it won't sweeten because it lacks the starches that convert into sugars during the ripening after harvest. For a heartier take on this fresh summer pairing, try Food Network Magazine's Glazed Hens with Cucumber-Cantaloupe Salad. How do you make cantaloupe sweeter when growing? Sweet Granite. prosciutto. Once picked, the cantaloupe will not continue to ripen, so be sure to check for ripeness before purchasing. Cantaloupe takes the place of tomatoes in this variation on fresh salsa. Unfortunately, that process stops once they're cut. As soon as the color is right and the crack around the stem is complete, the cantaloupe is ripe. Just be aware that the quality will deteriorate over time. I hate it when they have no flavor! If you see a jagged edge, this means that it was picked too early. Sweet, ripe, summer melons are better with salt. To encourage strong growth, blend 4 to 6 inches of composted manure into your melon beds prior to planting. The crisper drawer is the best place for this. sour cream. Here are four tips for fixing tasteless cantaloupe: 1) Start with ingredients that are available in more than one style. That's too bad about the cantaloupe, though! In addition to eating it straight, cantaloupe can be processed into many nutritious and attractive dishes. 3) Check for ripeness. Consider making some cantaloupe puree during the hot summer days, then add lime juice and mint to the mix. Sweetness Starts in the Soil Sugars are produced in the leaves through the process of photosynthesis, and then pumped into the fruit - so the more lush the leafy growth, the higher the Brix rating. Once picked, you can eat your cantaloupe right away or put it in the refrigerator for up to a year. Their water is drawn up to the surface where you bite, bringing flavor with it. Fill a graham cracker pie crust and freeze before serving This creates the perception of greater sweetness because it softens their flesh and makes them more aromatic and flavorful. A Closer Look at Ripening Beat the sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla in a separate large bowl with an electric mixer or whisk. 2) Taste the ingredients before cooking or serving them. Watermelon on the beach, honeydews in my backyard, cantaloupes sliced at a barbecue and eaten with orange smiles. Space your mounds to give your plants enough room to spread and grow. Here are four tips: 1) Look for the bright red color. If cantaloupes are grown in poorly drained soil, they may split or crack if excessive moisture is . Whizz pureed cantaloupe ice-cubes with other ingredients to make a refreshing smoothie or cocktail. pinch cardamom. Make sure to lower the picture over the bed and make sure it isn't too small for the wall. The webbing should appear as strong, raised ridges. Put the whole thing in the fridge. Spacing. Cut the cantaloupe into halves. Best when the flesh is just a little soft. Get seeds: NE Seed (US), Burpee (US), Holmes Seed Company (US), Seeds 'n Such (US), Gurney's (US), Home Depot (US) You don't have to trade size for flavor. There are many ways to pick out good cantaloupe. When storing your cantaloupe in the fridge, keep the temperature between 36 to 40 degrees. One of the earliest ripening cantaloupe varieties, this Eastern type offers resilient growth and delicious torpedo-shaped fruits to growers in northern or mountainous regions. Harvest the cantaloupe. Not only did they survive, but they are thriving! Cantaloupe + Prosciutto. olive oil. Aug 25, 2008 Yes lady cat they are sweet. Place the container of cantaloupe in the refrigerator for up to five days. Muskmelons and watermelons are related to the squash, though they differ because they're very sweet and juicy. Why is my cantaloupe sour? As in, firm, not so sweet, and at least somewhat orange . There are fifteen (15!) Keep in mind that there are European cantaloupes and US cantaloupes. 1. Get a cup and scoop the melon seeds and pulp in. Get This Recipe Adrian. The desert climate . Fold in the cantaloupe. Like all melons, cantaloupes need a constant supply of soil moisture when they are becoming established, and throughout their growth and fruit development stages. 1. Firm to the Touch: The surface of the cantaloupe should be firm like a pineapple, but not hard like a watermelon. It's amazing! The ones that we have in the US are usually rare in Europe, so . mayonnaise. Build out of 1/2" pvc pipe and masonry string and n top. Cantaloupes are vining plants and need room to spread, but they can also be grown vertically to save on ground room. The plant produces small yellow flowers which are 1.2-3.0 cm (0.5-1.2 in) in diameter and large oval to round fruit with green to orange flesh. In this video, I share my best tips for growing delicious cantaloupe. In order for a cantaloupe to ripen faster, some people cut it open and leave it out on a plate. When inspecting, check the stem end of the cantaloupe, and look for these 3 melon qualities: Inverted stem - Indicates that it was picked at the right time and should have a good flavor. Spread dry cake mix evenly over cantaloupe mixture, then drizzle 1/2 cup melted butter over top. Step 2: Take a sieve and strain it out. Sprinkle sugar or sugar substitute onto the cantaloupe. Upvote (1) Reply Flag Inappropriate Daria F. July 29, 2013 By sprinkling a little salt on your melon you are creating a high-salt concentration area next to those cells. If you meet any resistance, stop, and wait a day or two. El Gordo melons can easily reach a hefty 20 lbs, and even some 30-pounders have been harvested.