Tips

Should You Buy Golden Melon with or without the Stem? The Truth Behind This Misunderstood Fruit.

Selecting the perfect cantaloupe or honeydew melon is an art. Many are unaware of the secrets to choosing the sweetest, most refreshing melon for those hot summer days.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

Summer is a time when we all crave refreshing drinks and fruits to beat the heat. One of the most popular summer fruits is the cantaloupe, also known as muskmelon. This delicious and sweet fruit is packed with nutrients, including folic acid, calcium, vitamins C, K, and A, as well as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

The best way to enjoy cantaloupe is to peel it, cut it into small pieces, and chill it in the fridge for a few hours. But how do you choose the perfect cantaloupe? Many people wonder whether they should buy a melon with or without its stem.

Cantaloupes are a delicious way to cool off during the hot summer months (Illustrative image)

So, should you buy a cantaloupe with or without its stem? Many people believe that a cantaloupe with its stem still attached is fresher and sweeter. However, others argue that a cantaloupe without its stem is riper. Which is the correct answer?

Should You Buy a Cantaloupe with the Stem Intact?

According to experienced shoppers, when it comes to choosing the perfect cantaloupe, it’s best to opt for one without the stem. Additionally, take a close look at the spot where the stem used to be—the top of the cantaloupe. When the stem falls off, it leaves a slightly indented, round, and smooth spot with a serrated edge.

These signs indicate that the cantaloupe is ripe, sweet, and crunchy. Moreover, a naturally ripened cantaloupe will have a stem that falls off on its own, without any chemical or human intervention.

Opt for cantaloupes without the stem (Illustrative image)

In addition to the stem, there are a few other characteristics to consider when selecting a cantaloupe.

– First, look at the rind. The thicker and drier the rind, the better the cantaloupe. A good cantaloupe should have a slightly bumpy rind with a consistent yellow or green color, preferably with some white veins.

You can also gently press the cantaloupe to test its firmness. It should be slightly soft but not too mushy. An overly soft cantaloupe may be overripe and spoil quickly, or it may taste sour. On the other hand, a very hard cantaloupe may not be ripe enough.

A good cantaloupe has a slightly bumpy rind with consistent coloring (Illustrative image)

– Next, consider the shape of the cantaloupe. A perfectly ripe cantaloupe is usually round or oval. Avoid cantaloupes with dents, indentations, or dark spots.

If the cantaloupe is slightly pointed at both ends, it may not have received enough sunlight during its growth, affecting its water content and overall taste.

Illustrative image

– Finally, smell the cantaloupe. A ripe cantaloupe will have a subtle, sweet fragrance. If the scent is too strong, the cantaloupe may be overripe, and the flesh may be mushy and overly sweet. Of course, if the cantaloupe has an unpleasant odor or visible signs of rot, such as dark spots, avoid it altogether.

To deceive consumers, some vendors may use chemicals to speed up the ripening process and enhance the appearance and fragrance of the cantaloupes. To test for this, try the following:

– After purchasing a cantaloupe, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours. If the rind starts to soften and develop dark spots or signs of rot, it likely contains preservatives or has been treated with chemicals. Therefore, it is not safe for consumption.

If the cantaloupe softens and develops dark spots after refrigeration, it may contain chemicals (Illustrative image)

Frequently asked questions

It is preferable to buy a golden melon with the stem intact. The stem is a good indicator of the melon’s freshness and can help extend its shelf life. A melon with a green stem is typically fresher than one without, and it can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.

Golden melons are often sold without the stem to make them easier to stack and transport. This practice is common in places where melons are grown and sold locally, as the stem is not necessary for determining the fruit’s freshness in these contexts.

In addition to looking for a green stem, you can gently press the blossom end of the melon (opposite the stem). If it yields to gentle pressure, it is ripe and ready to eat. A ripe melon will also have a sweet fragrance.

If you are not planning to eat the melon right away, it is best to store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to two weeks. However, allow it to come to room temperature before eating to enjoy its full flavor.

Yes, golden melons can be frozen. Cut the melon into cubes or slices, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the melon pieces to an airtight container and return them to the freezer. They will keep for several months.