How to cut a cantaloupe

How to choose a ripe cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a seasonal fruit; the warm spring weather is the perfect time to buy it. To choose a ripe cantaloupe, look for those with light green lines on tan skin, and avoid ones with brown or soft spots. The cantaloupe should be firm but not too hard or too soft. Smell the stem end of the cantaloupe to check its ripeness. It should have a pleasant cantaloupe aroma, while a lack of scent indicates under-ripeness and an unpleasant smell means over-ripeness. If you plan to wait a few days before cutting the cantaloupe, purchase one with less odour and allow it to ripen more over time.

How to cut a cantaloupe

Although cutting a cantaloupe might seem easy, it can be quite challenging.

Cutting a melon requires a lot of attention and knowing how to perform all the steps correctly and safely. For this reason, we are sharing the brief video by Lisa Marie Todd, the creator of An Appetizing Life, which explains how to cut a cantaloupe in a few simple steps.

If you don't have time to watch the video, we've summarised all the steps for cutting a cantaloupe:

1. Before cutting it, wash it thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or bacteria on the surface.

2. Stand the cantaloupe on one end and cut it in half from top to bottom with a sharp knife. If the cantaloupe is large, you may need to cut it into quarters.

3. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the centre of each half. You can also use a melon baller to remove the flesh from the seeds and create small, round melon balls.

4. Once the seeds have been removed, you can cut the cantaloupe halves into slices or cubes of the desired size. To do this, place the flat side of each half on a chopping board and slice the flesh into thin or thick slices or cut it into cubes.

5. The cantaloupe is now ready to serve or can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Always use a sharp knife and exercise caution when cutting the cantaloupe, as it can be slippery and difficult to handle.