Cantaloupe (at times spelt as cantaloup) is one of the most popular tropical fruits consumed in USA. Also known as, rock melon or spanspek in Australia and New Zealand; cantaloupe is a type of melon that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family of gourds. Scientifically known as Cucumis melo cantalupensis, cantaloup is characterized by a highly juicy orange-flesh, green undercoat, typical melon like sugary aroma and flavor, and a thick nubby skin. Chilled cantaloupe soup, mixed melon salsa, muskmelon pie, and cantaloupe smoothie are some of the popular cantaloupe recipes.
Cantaloupes, many historians assume were first cultivated in the Nile river valley by the Egyptians as early as 2000B.C. However, this claim has been challenged by many who believe that, cantaloupe and all other melons could have originated in any of the tropical areas including India, Africa, or ancient Persia. Whichever, might be the area of origin, there is a general consensus that several ancient civilizations (including Greek and Romans) had mastered the art of cultivating cantaloupe and preparing numerous cantaloupe recipes. Cantaloupe, though introduced to the Americas by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage, got popular in the United States only during the late 19th century. Today, USA, Turkey, and Iran are some of the major cantaloupe growers of the world.
Cantaloupe is versatile fruit, which though, popularly eaten raw as a dessert fruit, can be cooked to prepare a variety of main dishes and entrees. The pieces of the fruits wrapped in prosciutto is a popular antipasto, the flesh of the fruit may be blended to make a variety of cold soups, smoothies, sorbets, and cheese cakes. Since the cantaloupe flesh tastes good even after heating, it is also used to prepare pies, pastries, and other baked desserts.
Cantaloupe is quite a popular tropical fruit and savored by almost all cuisines of the world. Here are some popular cantaloupe recipes from around the world:
Since the surface of the melons can be a breeding ground for bacteria, it is important to wash the melon in water before cutting. Once washed, simply slice the melon into desired thickness and scoop out the seeds and netting. If you are planning to store the fruit for later use, then it is recommended to slice the cantaloupe under cold water to prevent deterioration. Cantaloupe is best savored fresh and raw. However, they may be peeled and pureed to make a variety of cantaloupe recipes. Since, cantaloupe is quick to cook; minimal cooking and processing techniques are recommended. Slicing, chilling, freezing, and blending are the most preferred processing techniques to be used to prepare cantaloupe recipes.
Cantaloupe has a high water percentage, which makes it a low calorie fruit, plus it is a rich source of several micronutrients including Vitamin A, C, B3, B6 and folic acid. Cantaloupes are an excellent source of dietary fiber and simple sugars. Moreover, Cantaloupe is a hypo-allergic fruit with minimal amounts of oxalates and purines. Thus, cantaloupe can be safely consumed by almost everybody. Pureed cantaloupe serves as an excellent baby food and frozen cantaloupe sorbet is a great lactose free dessert alternative.
Cantaloupes, though summer fruits, can be easily bought in the stores all year round. However, the best cantaloupes are found during summer and early spring months. While buying cantaloupes choose the ones that seem heavy for their size, have a characteristic sugary melon aroma, a smooth, rounded stem scar, firm body, which yields slightly to pressure at the blossom end. Avoid melons that show signs of bruising, mold growth, or soft spots.
Cantaloupes, if uncut and slightly underripe, can be left at room temperature for several days – this will enhance the flavor and aroma of the fruit. However, once cut, the fruit must either be consumed immediately or refrigerated until further use. Since, melons easily absorb other food odors; it is advisable to wrap the cantaloupe in a plastic wrap before chilling.
The fruit name cantaloupe is often used interchangeably with muskmelon. Though, both these fruits are quite similar in their taste and flavor properties, there are few minor differences in their exterior appearance. While muskmelon is characterized by a webbed surface, cantaloupes have a smooth and lumpy skin with deep ridges.
Cantaloupe powder is used by certain cosmetic companies as a part of their anti aging products.
After a worldwide search for an improved strain of penicillin, the right penicillin spores were finally found on the skin of a moldy cantaloupe, sold in a Peoria market, in 1941.