The “candy cantaloupe” is a specific type of melon known for its exceptional sweetness and appealing characteristics. It offers a particularly flavorful experience, making it a desirable choice for those who appreciate a truly sweet fruit.
What Makes Candy Cantaloupe Unique
Candy cantaloupe distinguishes itself through intense sweetness and nuanced flavor. Its name reflects this “candy-like” quality, often attributed to a high Brix content, which measures sugar levels. These melons typically possess a fragrant, floral, and fruity aroma that becomes more pronounced as they ripen. The texture is generally firm, aqueous, and dense, sometimes described as having a crisp, crunchy consistency.
Growing Candy Cantaloupe
Cultivating candy cantaloupe requires specific conditions for optimal growth. They thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, ideally with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. Sandy loam soils are often recommended as they provide both good drainage and some moisture retention.
Planting can occur once soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F (18°C) or after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds are typically planted 1 to 2 inches deep in mounds spaced about 4 feet apart, later thinned to two plants per mound. Consistent moisture is important, especially during flowering and fruiting stages, so water deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are effective methods to deliver water directly to the roots while keeping foliage dry, which can help prevent diseases.
Cantaloupes benefit from a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) when plants are about 4 inches tall. After blossoms appear, switching to a fertilizer with less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium (like 5-10-10) supports fruit development rather than excessive vine growth. Reducing water about a week before harvest helps concentrate sugars in the fruit, enhancing sweetness. When ready for harvest, the melon typically separates easily from the vine with a gentle tug, a stage known as “full slip.” The rind’s background color changes from green to a creamy yellow or tan, and the netting pattern becomes more pronounced.
Selecting and Storing Candy Cantaloupe
Choosing a ripe candy cantaloupe involves several indicators. The rind should have a creamy, yellow-beige background color beneath its netted texture. A strong, sweet, and musky aroma, particularly at the blossom end (opposite the stem), signals ripeness. The stem end should have a slight indentation, indicating it naturally separated from the vine. The melon should also feel heavy for its size and firm, with a slight give when gentle pressure is applied to the blossom end.
Whole, uncut candy cantaloupes can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days to ripen further. Once ripe, or after being cut, the melon should be refrigerated to maintain its quality and slow spoilage. Store cut melon in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it typically lasts for about three to five days. For longer storage, cubed cantaloupe can be frozen in airtight containers or freezer bags, though the texture may become softer upon thawing, making it best for smoothies or purees.
Enjoying Candy Cantaloupe
Its natural sweetness and juicy texture make it enjoyable in various ways. Eating it fresh, in slices or cubes, allows its inherent flavor to shine. It is a refreshing addition to fruit salads, often pairing well with other summer fruits. For a cool treat, pureeing the melon into smoothies or sorbet highlights its sweet profile. The sweetness of cantaloupe also complements savory elements, such as being wrapped in prosciutto or added to a fresh salsa with ingredients like red onion and cilantro.