Cantaloupe

Melons are one of those fruits that are technically a vegetable.  They are related to other crops that grow on trailing vines like cucumbers and squash.  True cantaloupes are found more widely in Europe and the Middle East.  Cantaloupes get their name from a town near Rome named Cantalupo.  However, what we call cantaloupes in North America are actually really netted melons.  True cantaloupes are smaller and rounder than netted melons and have tougher skin that is either smooth or scaly, nut never netted.
Selection and StorageOne thing everyone asks is how to pick a ripe melon.  If you ask ten people they will all tell you something different.  My go-to method for cantaloupes is to smell the indentation at the end.  If it smells fruity and fragrant (rather than just like rind) than it is usually ready to eat.  If not leave it on the counter a few days.  For melons with thinner skins, I usually expect them to be somewhat soft on the outside when they are ripe.  Not mushy, but not rock hard.

Ripe melons don't last long so eat them as soon as you can.  If they aren't quite ripe, you can usually store on the counter until they ripen.  Once they are ripe, move them to the fridge and they will be good for a few more days.
 Preparation
A perfect melon really needs very little preparation.  Remove the seeds, slice and eat!  However, if you want to get creative, here are some other preperation ideas:

• The classic Italian melon with prosciutto and a drizzle or balsamic vinegar.  I actually think cantaloupe is great with a little balsamic even if you don't use the prosciutto
• Chunks or melon with cottage cheese or ricotta cheese sounds reminds me of diet food from the 80's, but is still so delicious
• Create a delicious drink with cantaloupe, lime, and mint in a blender.  Top with seltzer of your favorite adult beverage
• Create a cantaloupe salsa: lightly mix together  cucumbers, cantaloupe, olive oil, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, lime zest, red onion, tomato, cilantro, salt, and pepper

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Cucumber and Cantelop Salad

There are lots of different versions of this salad out there, I like combining this salad that's made with feta and this version that has pepitas and chiles
Ricotta salata is also amazing in place of the feta.

Cantaloupe Recipes 

Cool Melon Soup
Gazpacho isn't the only cold soup game in town!
Grilled Chicken with Cantaloupe Salsa
This calls for a grill pan, but you can pan sear or grill the chicken outside if your prefer.
Cantaloupe Granita
A simple, healthyish dessert for a warm day.