Vegetable of the Week: Cantaloupe

To me, there’s no fruit that’s quite as summery as a nice, juicy cantaloupe. Aside from being delicious and refreshing, though cantaloupes are also very healthy, versatile fruits as well. Keep reading for nutrition facts, methods of preparation, and more!

Cantaloupe is very high in vitamins A, C and Potassium. These nutrients have been proven to boost your immune system, prevent vision problems, maintain strong bones and skin, and supports good metabolic health.

Although typically eaten as a summer fruit, cantaloupe can be preserved if you have access to a flash freezer or a dehydrator. Check out some great methods for preserving cantaloupe using both of these methods here.

Cantaloupe is great on its own, but it can also be eaten with greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or in salads. Here are some more recipes for cantaloupe:
 
Chilled Cantaloupe Soup
INGREDIENTS

• 1 cantaloupe - peeled, seeded and cubed
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 sprig of mint

 
DIRECTIONS
1. Peel, seed, and cube the cantaloupe.
2. Place cantaloupe and 1/2 cup orange juice in a blender or food processor; cover, and process until smooth.
3. Transfer to large bowl. Stir in lime juice, cinnamon, and remaining orange juice.
4. Cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Garnish with mint if desired.
 
Cantaloupe Salsa
INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups bite-size chunks cantaloupe
• 4 tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ yellow bell pepper, diced
• 4 jalapenos, diced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

DIRECTIONS
Mix cantaloupe, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, yellow bell pepper, jalapeno peppers, lemon juice, lime juice, and garlic together in a bowl. Add enough olive oil to moisten the salsa; season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until chilled and flavors have combined, 1 to 2 hours.

Easy Cantaloupe Smoothie
INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup peeled, seeded and cubed cantaloupe
• 1 tablespoon honey, or to taste
• ½ cup ice

​DIRECTIONS
Place the fruit, juice, and honey into blender. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds. Add ice and blend until smooth.