What does a ripe cantaloupe look like

Mature cantaloupe usually exhibits a uniform yellowing of the skin color, slight indentation around the stem, a strong fruity aroma, and elasticity when lightly pressed. Maturity can be judged by comprehensive observation of appearance, touch, odor, and other aspects. When Hami melons mature, their skin will change from green to light yellow or golden yellow, with clear and evenly distributed mesh patterns. Some varieties may have slight cracks. The end of the fruit stalk will naturally contract to form small pits, and the connection with the melon body will become soft. Lightly pressing the navel with your fingers can feel moderate elasticity. If it is too hard, it may not be fully cooked, and if it is too soft, it may be over cooked. Mature fruits will release a distinct sweet aroma, especially after standing at room temperature. The result of incision is that the meat appears orange yellow or light orange in color, with a fine texture and no hard lumps. The central sugar deposition area may have semi transparent crystals.

Immature Hami melons have a higher proportion of green and green skin, blurry and inconspicuous mesh patterns, and overall hardness when pressed. Overly ripe melon bodies may have localized soft rot or fermented flavors, dark flesh color, and sponge like voids. Some late maturing varieties may reach edible maturity even if their outer skin is still green, and other characteristics need to be considered for judgment. The sweetness of fruits that continue to ripen after harvesting will increase, but the accumulation of flavor compounds is not as abundant as mature fruits on trees.

When selecting cantaloupe, gently shake to determine the separation status of the flesh, and the seeds inside the mature fruit will make a slight shaking sound. When storing, avoid direct sunlight. The intact melon can be stored in a cool place for several days. After cutting, it should be refrigerated and consumed as soon as possible. refrigeration for 2 hours before eating can improve the taste, but diabetes patients need to control the intake. Pairing with yogurt or making fruit salad can balance the sweetness and greasiness, and the skin can be carved into a container to increase the fun of consumption.