How Long Does Cantaloupe Last? Does it Go Bad?

Do you ever find yourself buying a few too many cantaloupes at the grocery store, only to regret it later when they start going bad?

We’ve all been there! But how long does this delicious fruit actually last?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of when and how to tell if your cantaloupe is still good or on its way out.

Read on as we break down everything you need to know about determining the shelf life of a cantaloupe.

Plus, we offer up our top tips for maximizing freshness and minimizing wastage.

Ready to get your cantaloupe-life balance right? Let’s go!

What’s Cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe is a type of melon that grows in warm climates.

It has a hard, pale yellow skin with faint green web-like markings, and juicy, sweet orange flesh inside.

Its distinct flavor makes it popular for fruit salads and other recipes, as well as eaten on its own.

A single cantaloupe can weigh up to nine pounds and measure just over a foot in diameter.

In addition to its delicious taste, cantaloupe is packed with vitamins C and A and is an excellent source of dietary fiber, potassium, and other essential nutrients.

With its versatile taste and significant nutritional value, cantaloupe offers many culinary benefits – making it the perfect ingredient for appetizers, main courses or desserts.

How To Store Cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe is best enjoyed when eaten at the peak of ripeness and freshness.

To ensure you are eating your cantaloupes when they are at their most flavorful, it is important to store them correctly.

Keep your unripe cantaloupes out of direct sunlight and at a temperature between 55-70°F, such as in a kitchen pantry.

For cantaloupes that are ripe and ready to enjoy, refrigerate them immediately.

Wrap the fruit tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container to maintain its signature juicy sweetness for days afterward.

When storing cut melon, keep leftovers in an airtight container separated from other fruits which could spoil faster and potentially contaminate other food items.

Properly stored cantaloupe can stay fresh for up to one week.

How Long Does Cantaloupe Last?

Cantaloupe is a fruit that typically lasts around 2-3 weeks.

However, this timeframe can differ depending on how the cantaloupe was stored before being eaten.

For example, if the cantaloupe was stored in a cool, dry place, it will last longer than if it was stored in a warm, humid place.

The best way to store cantaloupe is to keep it in a cool, dry place.

If you plan on eating the cantaloupe within a few days, you can store it at room temperature.

However, if you want the cantaloupe to last longer, you should store it in the fridge.

Just be sure to take it out of the fridge a few hours before you plan on eating it so that it can reach room temperature again.

Cantaloupe does not need to be washed before being eaten.

However, if you want to wash it, just be sure to use clean water and avoid using soap or any other cleaning products.

These can damage the delicate skin of the cantaloupe and make it more likely to spoil.

Can You Freeze Cantaloupe?

You can freeze cantaloupe, but it’s not the best way to preserve the fruit.

Cantaloupe is over 90% water, so when it’s frozen, the flesh becomes mushy and watery.

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy cantaloupe later in the season, your best bet is to can or pickle it.

When freezing cantaloupe, start by cutting the melon into small pieces.

Remove the seeds and rind, then place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid.

Transfer the frozen cantaloupe to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 6 months.

To thaw frozen cantaloupe, place the desired amount of fruit in a bowl and let sit at room temperature for about an hour.

You can also thaw cantaloupe in the fridge overnight.

Once thawed, add the cantaloupe to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or enjoy as is.

How to Tell If Cantaloupe is Bad?

Cantaloupe is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is perfect for summertime.

But how can you tell if cantaloupe has gone bad? Here are a few signs to look for:

The first thing to do is smell the cantaloupe.

If it smells sour or off, then it is probably bad and you should not eat it.

Another sign that cantaloupe has gone bad is if the flesh is no longer firm.

If the cantaloupe feels mushy, then it has most likely gone bad and should be thrown out.

Finally, if the cantaloupe has any mold on it, it is definitely bad and you should not eat it.

If you’re not sure whether or not the cantaloupe is bad, err on the side of caution and throw it out.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Conclusion

In summary, cantaloupe lasts about 1-2 weeks in the fridge and 3-5 days on the counter.

You can tell if cantaloupe is bad if it starts to develop mold or if it smells bad.

Cantaloupe can also be frozen for about 3-4 months.

I hope this blog post has been helpful in answering your questions about cantaloupe.

Let us know if you have any other questions about this delicious fruit.