Hi Lazyharry!
How do I tell if a Cantaloupe is ripe?
?Cantaloupes don't ripen after they're picked. That means you have to
pick a ripe one to get a ripe one. Fortunately, it's a lot easier to
select ripe cantaloupe than watermelon--just follow your nose. Give
one a good, deep sniff--a ripe one will have that musky sweet smell
that gives them their common name: muskmelon. An odorless one is
likely to be tasteless, too, so it goes back in the pile.?
?Another way to test the ripeness of a cantaloupe is to press on the
end opposite the stem end (which looks like the melon equivalent to a
belly button). It should give a little. You don't want a lumpy or
mushy melon, though--it's past it's prime and will be more water than
flavor.?
Garden Guides
http://www.gardenguides.com/articles/canteloupe.htm
How to Select a Cantaloupe
?There are many clues that you can look for to find a melon that is
ripe. If you tap the melon with the palm of your hand and hear a
hollow sound, the melon has passed the first test. Choose a melon that
seems heavy for its size, and one that does not have bruises or overly
soft spots. The rind, underneath the netting, should have turned to
yellow or cream from the green undertones that the unripe fruit has.
The ?full slip,? the area where the stem was attached, should be
smooth and slightly indented, free from remnants of the stem. The end
opposite the full slip should be slightly soft, and you should be able
to smell the fruit?s sweetness subtly shining through, although be
careful since an overly strong odor may be an indication of an
overripe, fermented fruit. Cantaloupe is so fragrant that you will be
able to test for its aroma of ripeness even if you purchase already
cut cantaloupe, packaged in a plastic container.?
?Leaving a firm cantaloupe at room temperature for several days will
allow the texture of its flesh to become softer and juicier. Once the
cantaloupe has reached its peak ripeness, place it in the refrigerator
to store.?
The George Mateljan Foundation for the World's Healthiest Foods
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=17
?Cantaloupes should be slightly golden--not a dull green--under the
rind's meshlike "netting," which should cover the whole rind; reject
those with slick spots. The stem end should have a slight indentation
(called a "full slip") if the melon was picked at the proper stage.
The blossom end will be slightly soft if the melon is ready to eat
and, unless the fruit is chilled, a flowery fragrance will be
apparent. Cantaloupes may be football shaped or spherical, and while
it's natural for the melon to be slightly bleached on one side from
lying on the ground as it grew, it should not be flattened or
lopsided.?
WholeHealthMD.com
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/foods_view/1,1523,125,00.html
Search terms used:
?a cantaloupe is ripe?
How to Select a Cantaloupe
I hope this helps!
Best regards,
Bobbie7 |
