Cantaloupe

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Grow

A big fruit from one little seed

A cantaloupe is a round or oval fruit that grows on vines 

that ramble on the ground. Cantaloupes grow in a wide 

range of soil types. Loamy soil offers the greatest yield. 

Row widths should be 5-6 feet and in-row spacing should 

be 18-24 inches. Rows should be raised 6-8 inches to 

facilitate soil drainage. 

Seeds should be planted when the danger of frost has 

passed, usually in April to May. Cantaloupes take 3-4 

months to grow until they are mature enough to be 

picked. They turn beige and slip from the vine when ripe. 

Cantaloupes can be available year round. The peak 

harvest in the United States is late summer (mid-June to 

early September). In North Carolina, peak harvest is July 

to August. From each vine, melons are harvested over a 

two week period.1-4 

Choose

Use your senses to determine ripeness

The cantaloupe should be well formed. The stem should 

be missing, leaving a shallow depression. The surface 

should be covered with raised netting. Do not choose 

bruised or mushy cantaloupes or melons that are green, 

soft or have deep cracks in the rind. Cantaloupes that feel 

heavier and fuller are more ripe. Tap on the cantaloupe 

and listen to the sound it makes. If the sound is dull and 

deep, it is an indication that the cantaloupe is ripe. If the 

sound is high and hollow, the fruit is probably not yet 

ripe. Smell the cantaloupe. If it smells musky but not 

overly strong, the fruit is probably at its peak ripeness 

and should be eaten in the next day or so.4 

Store

Cantaloupes are often shipped firm and may need a few 

days at room temperature to soften. Cantaloupes do not 

continue to ripen once they are removed from the vine. 

But picked melons do become softer and juicier. Store 

unripe cantaloupe at room temperature 3 or 4 days until 

softer. If cantaloupe is picked or purchased ripe, it can be 

eaten right away or stored in the refrigerator (32-36°F, 

85-95% relative humidity). Use as soon as possible. 

Cantaloupe produces ethylene gas. Store away from 

lettuce and other ethylene-sensitive fruits and vegetables.

Also, store cut cantaloupe away from other foods to avoid 

odor transfer.4-6

Fun Fact: The cantaloupe was first introduced to North 

America by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage 

to the New World.4 

Fun Fact: Cantaloupe is called rock melon in Australia.3

Use

Cantaloupe is refreshing on its own. It can also be added 

to salads, smoothies and other recipes. Before cutting 

into a melon, be sure to wash the outside very well with 

clean, running water. The outside layer can have bacteria 

that you do not want to transfer to the fruit. When 

cutting, slice the cantaloupe in half first. Scoop out the 

seeds from the middle of each half. The cantaloupe can 

be further sliced into wedges or the flesh can be scooped 

out to use. Refrigerate cut cantaloupe until ready to 

serve.4-6

Fruit

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 08/15 

http://childnutrition.ncpublicschools.gov

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTH CAROLINA

State Board of Education

Department of Public Instruction

Fun Fact: The cantaloupe is named for the papal gardens 

of Cantalupo, Italy, where some historians say this species 

of melon was first grown. Cantaloupe is native to Persia.1,5
Cantaloupe

Eat

One cup of diced cantaloupe has about 50 calories. It is 

free of cholesterol and low in fat and sodium. Cantaloupe 

is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of 

vitamin A. One cup has about 95% of the Daily Value of 

vitamin C and almost 18% of the Daily Value of vitamin A. 

It is also a source of folate and the phytochemicals, lutein 

and zeaxanthin. 

Vitamin A promotes normal vision, supports the growth 

and health of cells and tissue, protects us from infection, 

and helps regulate the immune system. Vitamin C helps 

form collagen to hold muscles, bones and tissues 

together, protects us from infections and bruising, aids in 

healing, keeps our gums healthy, helps our body absorb 

iron and folate from plants, and acts as an antioxidant to 

prevent cell damage. Our body needs folate for blood cell, 

DNA and genetic development. Phytochemicals act as 

antioxidants preventing or repairing cell damage. Betacarotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids. Betacarotene can bolster antioxidant defenses in cells and 

help neutralize free radicals that may damage cells. Lutein 

and zeaxanthin may help maintain normal vision.5,7-9

Teach

Cantaloupes are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, 

which include gourds, squash, pumpkins, watermelons, 

and cucumbers. Most varieties of cantaloupe grow well in 

the North Carolina climate. The most common are Allstar, 

Ambrosia, Athena, Durango, Eastern Star, Gold Star, 

Primo, Summet, Supermarket, and Tasty Sweet.1-4

Class Activity

Materials Needed:

 Variety of washed, whole melons—cantaloupe, sprite, 

watermelon, etc.

 Flexible measuring tape, scale

 Large plate or bowl to place melon on for weighing

 Cutting board, knife, and spoon or scoop

 Bowl or cup to place melon seeds

 Labels and pens to identify seed containers

Steps:

Have students complete the following:

1. Estimate the weight of each melon variety. Measure 

weight and record.

2. Estimate the circumference, surface area and volume 

of each variety. Measure and record.

3. Compare the weight and size measurements for each 

variety.

4. Determine if there is a correlation between weight and 

size. Why or why not?

5. Determine the edible portion of each melon variety 

and weigh, if possible.

6. Compare the ratio of fruit to rind for each melon.

7. Estimate and record number of seeds in each variety.

8. Determine which variety has the greatest number of 

seeds.7

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Fun Fact: A cantaloupe is a muskmelon. Muskmelons are 

actually a family of melon that includes cantaloupe, 

honeydew and casaba melon. Cantaloupe is the most 

popular muskmelon.1,3

Find

For more cantaloupe info and resources, visit:

1. http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/muskmelons-cantaloupes

2. http://horticulture.oregonstate.edu/content/melonscantaloupe-muskmelon-crenshaw-casaba-etc-0

3. http://dpi.wi.gov/school-nutrition/ffvp/nutrition-education

4. www.fns.usda.gov

5. www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/cantaloupe

6. www.ecga-usa.org

7. http://harvestofthemonth.cdph.ca.gov

8. http://ndb.nal.usda.gov

9. www.eatright.org

Fun Fact: Cantaloupe is the most popular melon in the 

United States.1-4

Fun Fact: Melon plants may produce male and female 

flowers. To produce fruit, even perfect, or female, flowers 

need bees for adequate pollination.3

Fruit

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 08/15

http://childnutrition.ncpublicschools.gov

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTH CAROLINA

State Board of Education

Department of Public Instruction