Forktionary

Cantaloupe

Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis Fruit

Cantaloupe Fruit

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking the Sweet Secrets of Cantaloupe: Beyond Breakfast Bowls."

Definition

A sweet, orange-fleshed muskmelon known for its distinctive netted rind and refreshing, juicy texture, rich in vitamins A and C.

Global Production (2022) ~27 million tons
Optimal Storage Temp 36-40°F (2-4°C)
Water Content ~90%

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cantaloupe are:

Sweet musky floral juicy

Chef’s Secret

Roasting cantaloupe briefly caramelizes its sugars, intensifying sweetness and adding depth for savory applications.

Best Substitutes

Honeydew Melon

Ratio 1:1

Galia Melon

Ratio 1:1

Watermelon

for hydration
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose cantaloupe heavy for its size with a distinct, sweet aroma; avoid soft spots.

Culinary Pairings

Prosciutto mint lime feta cheese chicken shrimp balsamic glaze

Recipes Using Cantaloupe

Avocado Cantaloupe Salad With Honey Lime Vinaigrette image
Kosher Dinner Party Vegetarian Low In Something

Avocado Cantaloupe Salad With Honey Lime Vinaigrette

A refreshing and vibrant summer salad! This simple yet elegant Avocado Cantaloupe Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette is the perfect light meal or side dish. Sweet cantaloupe meets creamy avocado in a zesty, honey-lime dressing. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Agua Fresca image 112
Low Cholesterol 15 Minutes Or Less Low Sodium Melons

Agua Fresca

Beat the heat with this incredibly easy and refreshing Agua Fresca recipe! Made with your choice of sweet melon – cantaloupe, honeydew, or even exotic varieties like Santa Claus melon – this vibrant drink is perfect for summer. Discover the delightful flavors of Wisconsin's summer melon sale and create a cool, delicious beverage in just 15 minutes. This recipe highlights the simple process of blending juicy melon with a touch of sweetness, creating a thirst-quenching treat the whole family will love. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a refreshing midday pick-me-up!

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Agua De Meln image
Beverages Low In Something For 1 Or 2 Low Protein

Agua De Meln

Beat the heat with this incredibly refreshing Agua de Melón! This light and subtly sweet cantaloupe drink is the perfect summer cooler. Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, it's ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a simple afternoon treat. Skip the sugary sodas and enjoy this healthy and delicious alternative.

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Ambrosia Extreme Makeover image 112
Occasion Occasion Diabetic Taste Mood

Ambrosia Extreme Makeover

This recipe, originally featured on Michael Chiarello's Easy Entertaining, gets a vibrant, healthy makeover by Chef Pilar Sanchez! She takes a classic, often-unhealthy dish and transforms it into a light, refreshing, and delicious Ambrosia. Perfect for parties or a healthy weeknight dessert, this recipe is bursting with flavor and is surprisingly simple to make.

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Aloha Chicken Salad image 112
Summer Chicken Main Ingredient Dinner Party

Aloha Chicken Salad

Escape to paradise with this vibrant Aloha Chicken Salad! Perfect for hot summer nights, this make-ahead recipe is equally stunning as a buffet centerpiece or an elegant lunch served in melon halves. The secret ingredient? Tangy chutney adds a surprising twist you'll love! This easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.

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