Ripe cut cantaloupe slices are a treat during the summer. When sweet melon is in season it is a good idea to freeze extra while it is at it's peak freshness. With a few tips you can easily freeze ripe cantaloupe cubes to use in smoothies, melon sorbet or ice cream during the winter months. This is a great way to enjoy delicious juicy cantaloupe year round!
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What is Cantaloupe?
This juicy, orange fruit is related to honeydew melon and watermelon along with a few other gourds. It has a sweet flavor that is great in sweet fruit salads or paired with salty cheeses and nuts.
How to Select a Cantaloupe
When selecting this melon you want to pick it up and give it a squeeze. It should be firm but not too hard or too soft. It should also have a sweet smell when ripe. An unripe cantaloupe will have no smell while a cantaloup having an off-odor is bad.
Can You Freeze Cantaloupe?
Yes! Cantaloupe melon does freeze well, depending on how you want to use it. For smoothies, protein shakes or ice cream it blends perfectly. Frozen fruit is perfect for blended drinks because it does not dilute the flavor like ice cubes. However if you are intending to use the tasty melon for a fruit salad it may not be the firm texture you are wanting.
Does Cantaloupe Freeze Well?
Cantaloupe does freeze well if you are intending to use it for a blended smoothie or sorbet. When cantaloupe thaws the texture is not as firm as it was prior to the freezing process.
How to Freeze Cantaloupe
If you are starting with whole melons, wash the outer rind in cool water first. Use a sharp knife to cut the melon in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds of the melon.
Cut wedges of cantaloupe to make it easier to work with. Remove the rind from the cantaloupe wedges.
The best way for freezing cantaloupe is to cut the wedges into smaller chunks. This will make it easier to add to a blender for smoothies or other drinks.
Use a rimmed baking tray that will fit in your freezer. Use parchment paper or wax paper to line your baking sheet. Place the melon on the sheet in a single layer so that the pieces freeze individually. Slide the tray in the freezer and give the cubes of melon 3 to 4 hours to freeze.
Once the melon is frozen you can store the cantaloupe long term in either a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bags. If using a plastic bag take out as much air as possible or use a vacuum sealer for best results. Make sure to label the bag to make it easy to identify. Store cantaloupe in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Can You Freeze Cantaloupe Puree?
Yes! This is another way to freeze cantaloupe. You can follow the steps to cut the cantaloupe into cubes and add the melon chunks to a food processor or blender to make cantaloupe puree. Freeze the puree in ice cube trays for several hours and then pop the frozen cubes into covered airtight containers. This is a great addition to your fruit smoothie or a summer cocktail.
How do you Defrost a Cantaloupe?
If you are using this for a smoothie there is no need to defrost. Add the desired amount of frozen cubes to the blender with the other ingredients.
If you choose to thaw for another purpose remove the desired amount and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours. The cantaloupe will have a slightly mushy texture compared to fresh cantaloupe.
FAQ
Is Cantaloupe Good For You?
Yes! Cantaloupe is high in vitamin C, fiber and potassium making it a great healthy option for a snack or light dessert.
Recipes Using Frozen Cantaloupe
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