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Benefits of Eating Cantaloupe

• Very High in Vitamins C & A.  Also high in potassium, B6, B3 & B9 (Folate).  USDA Chart

• Cantaloupes contain carotenoids, the yellow, orange and sometimes reddish pigment synthesized by plants. According to Linus Pauling Institute, the increased intake of carotenoids from fruits, such as cantaloupes, can decrease a patient’s risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.

• High in Beta-Carotene which combined with Vitamin A helps support healthy vision. 

• Improves Skin ~ Given its high concentration of vitamins A, C & Folic Acid cantaloupe helps to improve cell rejuvenation and increases collagen which in turn helps to reduce wrinkles and improve skin glow.  Cantaloupe is a highly recommended component in Dr. Perricone's Anti-Inflammatory Diet.  

• Helps with Fever, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Obesity, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Kidney Function, Constipation, Gas, Skin Disorders.

• High in immune boosting antioxidants.

• Helps to Prevent Cancer (specifically thought to help with lung an oral cancers)

• Protects against sun damage from UV

• Seeds are a great source of protein

Creative Cantaloupe Recipes

• Cold Cantaloupe Soup

• Cantaloupe Popsicles

• Eat the Seeds - After saving a few seeds for your next plantings, you can consume the rest.  Try roasting and salting the seeds, eating them raw, or adding them to a smoothie for added protein.  

Collecting the Seeds

Collecting the seeds from your Cantaloupe is easy!  Simply slice open your cantaloupe (from your garden or from your local organic produce market) and  collect the seeds from the center.   You may also pick cantaloupes from the garden for seedlings when the tendril nearest the melon is completely dried. In this case, store the harvested cantaloupe for ~3 weeks before removing and cleaning the seeds. Allowing the seed/pulp mixture to ferment for 3 to 4 days before cleaning can help prevent disease and fungus.  Note: the seeds and seedlings pictured above were simply collected from organic fruit purchased at the store.

Cantaloupe seeds will keep for up to 5 years if properly stored in a dry, cool, and dark location.  You can refrigerate the seeds, but not freeze. Some seeds require exposure to cooler temperatures (such as that in a refrigerator) for a period of time in order to break dormancy.

Growing Cantaloupe

Melons are a heat-loving fruit with a long growing season. It's best to grow the vines in raised rows of compost, known as hills, which helps with drainage and holds the heat from the sun longer. In cooler areas, start seeds indoors a month before transplanting. In warmer climates plant seeds outdoors when the soil temperature is 65 degrees.  Plant 1 inch deep, 18 inches apart. More Information at: http://www.almanac.com/plant/cantaloupe

Sources of Information:

• http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/honeydew-7-healthy-facts

• http://www.livestrong.com/article/414791-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-cantaloupe/

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-blog/eating-for-eye-health/bgp-20095574

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-blog/mediterranean-diet-benefits/bgp-20056193

• http://www.howtosaveseeds.com/seedsavingdetails.php

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