The American cantaloupe, Cucumis melo reticulatus, is a muskmelon with netted skin and light orange flesh. Like most melons, it has sweet flesh, which contains a fair amount of water, Cantaloupes are generally served raw, although they are occasinionally used in a fruuit soup.
Not Really a Cantaloupe
It was named to capitalize on the fame of the original European cantaloupe, Cucumis melo cantalupensis, which is ribbed-skinned and often green-fleshed. The original cantaloupe has been cultivated in various forms since ancient times, while its American namesake has been commercially grown since the 1880s.
Cantaloupe Nutrition
American cantaloupes are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A (as itself, and as beta-carotene), and are a good source of potassium, dietary fiber, and Vitamins B3 (niacin), B6, and B9 (folate). The USDA maintains that a 177 gram serving has 60 calories which provides 108% of the RDA for Vitamin C, nd 6% of the RDA for fiber.http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1954/2
2008 Cantaloupe Recall
On March 22, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that Honduran cantaloupes from the grower, Agropecuaria Montelibano, might be responsible for an outbreak of Salmonella in the United States and Canada. Companies including Dole, Chiquita, and Simply Fresh announced recalls of cantaloupes thought to be affected.
Cantaloupe Merchandise
- Amazon.com: Melon Ballers
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Name derives from Cantalupo, Italy
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Fact:
Often paired with Prosciutto or Cottage Cheese
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Fact:
Other melons in the same species include honeydews and canary melons
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Fact:
The watermelon is in a different genus, Citrullus
