Looking for a sweet, low calorie snack for this summer? Cantaloupe is delicious, and it is healthy! Cantaloupes are high in nutrients, and are easy to grow in home gardens! One cup of sliced cantaloupe contains 60.2 calories and only .336 grams of fat. Cantaloupes are also rich in vitamin A, and vitamin C!
Cantaloupes are grown in home gardens across the state, but the only commercial plantings are in the Wintergarden region. Cantaloupes need to be grown when temperatures are 70 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The ideal temperature for cantaloupe is 75-89 degrees Fahrenheit. There should be at least 110-140 frost-free days for cantaloupes to fully mature. It is best to plant about four to five months in advance to the first frost to have production in early fall. As mentioned earlier, cantaloupes grow very well in home gardens, and they are great producers.
When picking a cantaloupe from the store, you should look for a cantaloupe where the stem has slipped from the fruit, has yellowish skin, a fresh aroma, and a healthy outer rind that is mostly free of cuts. You should avoid cantaloupes that are mushy or leaking juice, have a damaged outer rind with lots of cuts, and that are damaged where the stem was attached.
Next time you are out of healthy snack options and are craving something sweet, try a cantaloupe! Cantaloupes are packed full of nutrients, all while still tasting amazing!
Visit https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/ for snack suggestions, including ones with cantaloupe!
Extension Specialist
Contact: Dr. Larry Stein
Phone: 830.278.9151
Email: Larry.Stein@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Jenna Anding
Phone: 979.458.2025
Email: j-anding@tamu.edu
