Is the green cantaloupe unripe

The green color of Hami melon may be a sign of incomplete maturity or a characteristic of the variety. To determine maturity, multiple factors such as skin color, aroma, and firmness of the fruit stem need to be considered. During the ripening process of Hami melon, the color of the skin gradually changes from green to yellow green or golden yellow, but some varieties such as Xizhou honey still retain some green color when ripe. Immature cantaloupe usually exhibits a uniform overall green color, firm flesh, weak aroma, and no obvious elasticity when pressed against the stem. This type of fruit has insufficient sugar accumulation, a rough taste, and low edible value. It can be ripened by sealed storage with apples or bananas for 2-3 days, and ethylene gas can promote the conversion of starch into sugar.

Some special varieties, such as Xinjiang Jiashi melon, have a greenish gray mesh on their skin when they mature. At this time, the navel will naturally become soft and emit a strong sweet aroma. If the green skin is accompanied by obvious mesh like protrusions and circular cracks at the fruit stem end, it is often a sign of natural maturity. The flesh of this type of variety may still maintain some green skin characteristics even if it is orange in color, with a sugar content of over 15 degrees. When selecting, attention should be paid to distinguishing the characteristics of different varieties to avoid misjudging special varieties as immature fruits.

It is recommended to lightly press the two ends of cantaloupe to ensure elasticity, clear and raised skin texture, and a sweet aroma at the navel. Store in a cool and ventilated place for 3-5 days. After cutting open, refrigerate and consume as soon as possible. The patients with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold should control the single intake, and the patients with diabetes should pay attention to monitoring the changes of blood sugar. If you find that the fruit pulp is bitter or has a strange smell, you should stop eating immediately.