When is Cantaloupe in Season?

While, generally, you can get your hands on a cantaloupe year-round, these sweet, juicy melons have a peak season. On your quest to find this melon in its finest form, keep in mind the months when cantaloupes are in season: from June to October! Some cantaloupe connoisseurs believe June to August is the true prime time, and it’s certainly fair to say summer is your best bet. The Fetch Fam enjoys cantaloupes year-round, but off-season, you can expect them to be a bit more expensive and scarce.

When putting together your grocery list, be sure to use the Fetch grocery shopping rewards app to turn your weekly grocery trips into free gift cards!

How Does Cantaloupe Grow?

If you’re wondering how cantaloupes grow, and whether or not you can grow your own, we can help you out. Contrary to popular belief, cantaloupes grow on vines – not trees! These “annual vine” plants are crops, or “cucurbits.” Their cucurbit relatives include cucumbers, squash, and watermelons. Cantaloupes grow best in fertile soil that drains well and sunny locations.

How Long Does Cantaloupe Last?

Cantaloupes in the grocery store will likely keep for up to three weeks in a well-controlled environment. In refrigerator temperatures below 41°, these melons have a shelf life of up to five days. Of course, once cut, their shelf life in the fridge could be reduced to three days.

How to Pick a Cantaloupe at the Grocery Store 

No funny business: a cantaloupe, like other melons, should feel heavy for its size. It’s pretty easy to suss out the freshness, too, with basic “Goldilocks” rules. You can tell how to pick a ripe cantaloupe because it won’t be too firm to the touch with no give, and it won’t be too soft where slight pressing leaves an indentation. It should be just right. Pressing the opposite of the stem side should “give” slightly, then return to normal. 

How to Cut a Cantaloupe

To prepare to cut a cantaloupe, you should: 

1. Rinse under cool water, rubbing away any dirt with your fingers or a brush. 
2. Pat dry and place on your cutting board with the stem sides visible. 
3. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the stem-side ends of the melon off.
4. Sit melon upright on one of the newly-cut flat ends.
5. Using the edge of your knife blade, make careful cuts into the rind, from top to bottom, and pointing the blade away from you. Cut strips of the rind off until fully removed.
6. Slice your peeled melon in half and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and innards.
7. Place halves flat-side down, and chop as preferred into slices, wedges, or cubes.

How to Store a Cantaloupe

If you’re looking for how to best store a cantaloupe, you have options. If opting to keep a ripe cantaloupe on your countertop, keep it cool and dry and it will last a few days. If it’s underripe, leaving it on the counter for a couple days will allow it to mature. Leaving the seeds intact on a cut cantaloupe will extend the life of your slices to three days. Diced cantaloupe should be stored in an air-tight container and consumed within two days. 

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?

If you’re wondering if your dog can eat cantaloupe, we’re happy to report (to them) that they can. Cantaloupes are non-toxic to dogs, and in fact contain a lot of nutrients. However (you knew this was coming), cantaloupes should be consumed by pets in moderation, as they are high in sugar, and could have adverse effects on dogs with diabetes or weight struggles. 

Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe?

The question is not, “Can cats eat cantaloupes” – cats will do as they please. But should they? Similar to dogs, they can eat cantaloupes, but pet parents should avoid the rind and be mindful of sugar intake. Cantaloupe is especially beloved by cats, though, because it emits a scent that mimics the scent of meat proteins.

How to Make Cantaloupe Juice

You’re five minutes and three ingredients from a lush and refreshing glass of cantaloupe juice – here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cantaloupe (about 2-3 pounds)
• 4 cups of cold water
• ¼ cup of honey

Recipe:

1. Take your freshly skinned, deseeded, and chopped cantaloupe and add to a blender with honey and water.
2. Blend until smooth and combined.
3. In a pitcher or bowl, add a mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour cantaloupe juice through.
4. Serve over ice and garnish as desired!

Use the Fetch App to Turn Your Groceries Into Gift Cards

Now that you know when to catch cantaloupe season, download the Fetch app to put together your grocery list and start earning rewards. Whether you’re looking to make a grocery list on a budget, focus on picking up healthy ingredients for this week’s meals, or are simply looking for easy options for a lazy Sunday, you’ll find offers on so many brands and products you love in the app.