Melons
The next time you're in search of a healthy, flavorful, satisfying snack, think melons - as in cantaloupes! Melons are full of nutrients and won't put you over your calorie limit.
The cantaloupe, a small round melon, is refreshing, filling and a great source of key nutrients. In fact, of all melons, cantaloupes contain the largest amount of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant in the body and may help reduce the risk of some cancers.
Cantaloupe is also a good source of potassium and vitamins A and C.
As mentioned, cantaloupe is a caloric benefit to your diet. You can eat enough to feel quite full without having to consume a large number of calories.
As mentioned, cantaloupe is a caloric benefit to your diet. You can eat enough to feel quite full without having to consume a large number of calories.
The secret of the cantaloupe is the amount of water it contains. Cantaloupes have a high water content that contributes to their volume or bulk, so they are a good source of fluids, too.
Melons belong to the Cucurbit family, which also includes cucumbers, pumpkins, gourds and squash. There are two categories of melons -- watermelons and muskmelons.
Watermelons range in size and shape from miniature balls to 20 to 30 pound oblong melons with or without seeds.
Muskmelons contain a central cavity filled with seeds.
There are three basic skin types -- ridged, meshed or smooth.
A leading indicator of ripeness is smell. The melon should have a sweet aroma.
Store both ripe cut and uncut melons wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. This will prevent melon aromas from permeating other foods and vice versa. Slightly unripe melons can stand at room temperature for a few days to further develop flavor, aroma and texture.
Whole ripe melons will last about a week in the refrigerator and cut ones about two to three days. Cutting through the rind of an unwashed melon can draw bacteria from the surface into the flesh. Be sure to rinse the entire outside of melon with tap water before cutting to remove any surface dirt.
Melon Math: 3-pounce muskmelon equals 6 cups diced melon or 6 (1-cup) servings.
Nutrition Information
The nutritive value of melons greatly depends on the variety of
melon. Melons are in the same family as squash; their nutritive
value ranks somewhere between summer and winter squash.
Most are excellent sources of vitamin C and potassium. Varieties
with a deep orange flesh, such as cantaloupe, are exceptional
sources of beta carotene, which provides vitamin A. The vitamin
A in one cup of cantaloupe gives one-half of an adult male's daily
Vitamin A requirement and about two-thirds of an adult woman's.
The great thing about melons is that the calorie and fat values are
low. Use melons to boost your "5-a-Day" (fruits and vegetables)
count.
Varieties of melons with a deep orange flesh, such as cantaloupe, are exceptional sources of beta carotene, which provides vitamin A.
Melon Tidbits
The melons grown and consumed in the United States are actually muskmelons.
True cantaloupes come from Europe and have a distinct warty surface.
The khaki-colored melons with the netted rind that we refer to as cantaloupes are the most popular of American melons.
So, when you're looking for a satisfying, nutrient-dense snack or dessert or side dish that will leave you with calories to spare slice into a fresh melon.
A delicious dessert: Pair your melons with frozen yogurt - or try the following recipe, packed with healthful, nutritious melons.