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How to cut a cantaloupe

I am going to go over how to cut a cantaloupe in 3 easy ways. Some might be intimidated not knowing what to do with this fruit but it’s very simple.

Once you try this delicious melon, you will want to grab one every time you hit up the grocery store to make slices and chunks for your next snack or Fruit salad.

When you are buying cantaloupe you want to look at the exterior and avoid ones with lots of bruises or soft spots. Here is what you should look for when buying a ripe canteloupe.

The little circle at the top where to stem was will have a little give or squish to it and if you smell that spot, you will get a sweet smell if it is fresh and ready to go.

You can always buy them not ripe yet and place them with bananas or apples on the counter and that will help ripen the melon.

Not only is it simple to cut up but also its juicy, sweet, tender insides hold many nutrients. Cantaloupe is great in a fruit salad or fruit platters but also just to have on hand as a healthy snack.

How to cut a cantaloupe video

How to cut a cantaloupe Instructions

It is important to have a ripe cantaloupe melon when you are cutting for two reasons.

One, being that it is easier to cut the more ripe and soft it is, and two, your fruit will have a lot more of a sweet flavor and they are juicier when it is ripe.

Make sure that you have a sharp knife. I like to use a chef’s knife or even a paring knife when I am cutting up chunks and cubes or taking off the rind.

Get yourself a heavy-duty cutting board and a sharp knife so that you can easily get through the melon.

1. Clean and prepare the cantaloupe

washing cantaloupe under cold water

Always wash your fruit before you start to cut into it. You can use a fruit or veggie spray or a gentle soap. Even though you are not going to be eating the outside it is important to wash it.

This will ensure that you don’t bring any bacteria or pesticides into the fruit when you cut into it.

2. Cut the ends off the melon

Cutting the end off of the cantaloupe

You want to start by cutting off the ends. This will give you more stability when you cut it in half. Now flip it over so that it is standing on one of the cut ends and slice it down the middle.

You do not have to peel the rind off before you cut the cantaloupe.

You are going to cut through the rind of the cantaloupe.

You now have two big halves. Taking one half, lay it down with the inside of the melon facing down.

Next, you want to scoop out the inside of the cantaloupe to take out all the seeds.

With it on its sturdy side, go ahead and make slices going across widthwise in 1-1 1/2 inch slices. Repeat this with the other half as well.

You can eat them just like this or if you want more manageable slices, go ahead and cut each slice in half. These are great for snacks or for fruit platters as well.

You can also follow these steps when you’re cutting a watermelon.

3. How to cut a Cantaloupe into Slices and Wedges

slicing the cantaloupe

Now that you have your slices you are going to take each slice one at a time and lay it rind side down.

Take your knife and lay it flat so that you are slicing right above the green part of the melon where it turns orange. Slide your knife across the rind until it’s fully detached from the fruit.

Avoid the green flesh as it is a little bitter. If you are left with a few spots of green on your slices it isn’t the end of the world. You can either leave them or if you really want go ahead and cut them off.

4. How to cut cantaloupe into cubes

cutting cantaloupe

This can be done in one of two ways.

  1. Before you cut the rind from your slice you can take it and make cuts into the slice down to the rind but not through it. Then follow step 3 above and lay your knife flat and cut through your slice of cantaloupe. Your chunks will fall off the rind right into the cut sizes you already made.
  2. Slice your cantaloupe off from the rind as we previously did in step
  3. Once you have no more rind then go ahead and cut up that slice into chunks of your desired size.

This is the way to go when you are making fruit salad. You want to be sure to cut it up into manageable bite-size pieces.

How to Serve Cut Cantaloupe

There are so many ways to use this delicious melon when you have cut it and have all the seeds removed. Some of the best ways are

  • Fruit salad is by far the most common way to serve cut cantaloupe. This is when it is cut into chunks.
  • Another great way is just to serve it in a wedge form. Think of it just the same way that you might watermelon.
  • You could also throw them in a smoothie or maybe a yogurt to give it a punch of flavor.
  • It is also a great-looking garnish on a plate and adds a bit of sweetness to a dish.

Other Melons Like Cantaloupe

The most common melons that could substitute cantaloupe would be honeydew with watermelon coming in 2nd. the honeydew has a closer flavor.

There are some others like orange honeydew, canary, and casaba but I have never tried these.

Frequently asked questions about how to cut cantaloupe

A ripe cantaloupe will have a sweet smell, will be slightly soft when pressed, and will be heavier than it looks for its size.

Cut the cantaloupe into slices or cubes and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Use a sharp knife and cut the cantaloupe in half. Then, scoop out the flesh with a spoon or use a melon baller.

Conclusion

Cutting a cantaloupe is a simple task that can be done in just a few minutes. By following the steps in this post, you can easily cut a cantaloupe into slices, chunks, or cubes. Once your cantaloupe is cut, you can enjoy it as a snack, or dessert, or add it to a fruit salad.

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