A ripe cantaloupe will have beige, tan, creamy yellow or golden rind. Medical Oncology 52 years experience. But if it is . Cantaloupes are a low-calorie source ofvitamin A (-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, iron, some dietary fiber, and calcium. All cuts of cantaloupe were recalled relating to Kandy Brand from Eagle Produce, LLC. This method increases solar heating and stimulates germination. If your cantaloupe plants leaves are turning brown or black with little spots, they likely have contracted a case of Alternaria leaf spot. These moldy spots should be carefully removed. [Ham, Crudo, & More], Five Guys (Cost, How To Save + Cheaper Alternatives). Worldwide, the United States is the 8th largest producer of cantaloupes/other melons. A great way to store cantaloupe is to puree it in a blender. A more intensive method,drip irrigation, has become more popular since the 1990s, resulting in approximately 2,000 acres in Colorado being devoted to drip irrigation, 90% of which is used to grow high-value crops, such as cantaloupe, watermelon, and onions. The fruit will have a raised, textured webbing on its exterior. Cantaloupes produce both staminate and perfect flowers, the latter having both male and female parts and ultimately developing into the fruit. Epidemiology and infection. I personally would probably eat it but you should know that mold starts off as, and spreads by, spores which are invisible. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. An environmental assessment conducted after the outbreak concluded suggests that the combination of available nutrients on the rind, increased rind water activity, and insufficient cooling to remove field heat before cold storage created an ideal environment for the growth of. Why do I throw up after eating cantaloupe? Cantaloupe is covered by a decidedly unattractive skin a greyish-beige, rough, net-like pattern covers a green base that yellows as the fruit ripens. If there is a slight give, the melon is probably ripe. You should also make sure to plant them in a place in your garden or on your property that gets enough sunshine and stays warm enough that the cantaloupes wont die off. Guide to the Commercial Production of Muskmelon (Cantaloupe) and Related Melons [Internet]. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This post was first published on 2020-06-25. If theres mold on the inside, it should also be tossed. Melon consumption has also increased with the introduction of sweeter seedless and hybrid varieties. Available from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cut cantaloupe should only be left out on the countertop at room temperature for two to three hours but will in the fridge for two to three days. A cantaloupe with a damaged outer rind will spoil quickly. When you notice the leaves on your cantaloupe plant turning yellow, that should act as a sign that your watering schedule needs to shift. Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes. In general, your cantaloupe leaves should be a soft green color with as little browning or blackening as possible. From the University of California at Davis: Blackish to blackish-green mold, typically Alternaria spp, will invariably develop over time on cantaloupes, sometimes first observed at the stem scar where nutrients are exuded at the moment of "slip" or harvest. If the cut melon is kept above 41F, it must be discarded after 4 hours. California is by far the largest producer of cantaloupe in the U.S., accounting for about 60% of the nations supply in 2018; Arizona is the second largest producer, accounting for 20% of the supply. In the summertime, when temperatures are higher, cantaloupe will ripen faster. Are you a food production specialist or public health professional interested in editing this site, contributing content, or just have suggestions for us? Most cantaloupes are direct seeded, in a single seed line per bed. If you use harmful pesticides in your garden, replace them with more natural bee-friendly alternatives and recommend that your neighbors do the same, as well. The first sign of bad cantaloupe is moldy spots. One such soap that acts as a pesticide is Safer Brand Insect-Killing Soap, which uses potassium salts and seaweed extract to deter pests without harming the plants themselves. Because of the damage they inflict on your cantaloupe leaves, the leaves may start to curl up at the edges. :). This is an area on the rind that is thin, poorly developed, soft, and appears lighter in color. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. An investigation was initiated in February 2020 by the CDC and public health authorities across several states when 165 people were infected with Salmonella Javiana. Most imported product comes from Guatemala, with Honduras, Mexico, and Costa Rica supplying a significant amount also. 80521
Rind thats green beneath the netting indicates an underripe melon it turns almost golden as it sweetens. Top Problems Growing Pepper Plants and How to Fix Them, Dyson Vacuum Wont Start, Suction, Stay On, Turn Off, Etc. Any black spots on the melons flesh are more than likely mold that has come into the fruit through the skin. Image 4. Our best tips for eating thoughtfully and living joyfully, right in your inbox. Enable registration in settings - general. They are a rich source of vitamin A (-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, and the micronutrients copper, iron, and zinc. The first key thing to note when working with plants with fungal infections such as powdery mildew is that watering needs to be done from the base of the plant and not from the top down. If you notice that your cantaloupe vines have wilting flowers, but the rest of the vine looks healthy, theres nothing to fear this is simply part of the process of pollination. Many consider Rocky Ford cantaloupes to be some of the best. The complex surface of cantaloupe makes it well-suited for harboring pathogens. Required fields are marked *. University OS, editor: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Cantaloupes are often planted in raised beds, which helps irrigation water get to the roots while the melon remains dry. While the U.S. exported 179 million pounds, over 1.0 billion pounds of cantaloupe were imported in 2017. Its often called a dessert melon thanks to its honeyed, juicy sweetness. What is a Calculus Bridge? It does not store any personal data. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot. You should always wash your knife after you cut away mold spots before moving on and cutting the rest of the cantaloupe. The spotted cucumber beetle is yellow with 12 black spots. 2013 May; Available from: Lopez-Velasco G, Sbodio A, Toms-Callejas A, Wei P, Tan KH, Suslow TV. If the melon shows any other signs of spoilage, it is best to discard the fruit. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines. Colorado farmers have been growing cantaloupes, and primarily the Netted Gem variation, for market since the Burpee company cultivar was introduced in the early 1880s. Foodborne Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) Population Survey Atlas of Exposures [Internet]. They are generally quite easy to grow, although there are a few issues that gardeners may encounter along the way. Reducing Salmonella on cantaloupes and honeydew melons using wash practices applicable to postharvest handling, foodservice, and consumer preparation. What does the inside of a good cantaloupe look like? Perfectly ripe melons will have light gold color between the webbing. How Can You Tell If a Cantaloupe Has Gone Bad? Available from: California Cantaloupe Advisory Board. Once cantaloupe has been cut up, it can no longer ripen, so make sure the cantaloupe is perfectly ripe before cutting it up. However, food allergies are a serious matter. Is it a blemish, an infection, or something else entirely? Why does my cantaloupe taste like nail polish remover? Available from: Kemble J. You might also be more likely to find this type of black decay in an orange that has a "poorly formed navel.". One of the biggest issues that causes poor growth in cantaloupe plants is insufficient sunlight. A whole, uncut watermelon is even sturdier: It should be good for two weeks. Melon will yield best if grown in a light, well-draining soil, rich in organic matter and with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Many people enjoy growing cantaloupes at home but often encounter frustrating issues. A clean knife and cutting board should be used. However, both the harvested area and weight production of cantaloupe has decreased from 1992 to 2017from 109,400 to 57,050 acres and 1.8 to 1.3 trillion pounds. Still, it is important to know if white spots on cantaloupe could be an indicator of the fruit going rotten. If the color is right, gently push on the end of the melon opposite from the stem. In that same year, Americans ate an average of 27 pounds of melons (including watermelon, honeydew, and others). When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 8 Effective Removal Methods! Cantaloupe vines are very tender and should not be transplanted until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures remain above 60F (16C). Cantaloupe is covered by a decidedly unattractive skin - a greyish-beige, rough, net-like pattern covers a green base that yellows as the fruit ripens. Marisa.Bunning@ColoState.edu, https://fsi.colostate.edu/suggest-a-topic/, contamination can arise from soil, water, equipment, animals,or humans, and can occur at any phase of production, In 2011, the contamination of fresh, whole cantaloupes resulted in a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis and resulted in 147 illnesses and 33 deaths. What color are cantaloupes on the inside? Available from: Suslow TV. Available from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bartolo M. Colorado State University Extension: Arkansas Valley Research Center 2009 Reports [Internet]. Insecticides are therefore widely used; Over 130% of all cantaloupe-growing acres were treated with an insecticide in 2010, suggesting that some areas are treated with multiple chemicals for pest protection. First, wash your hands with hot, soapy water for 20 seconds. Improving Food Safety Through a One Health Approach: Workshop Summary [Internet]. In the southern desert valleys, cantaloupes are often grown in a mid-bed trench. Available from: Leaman S. National Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for Cantaloupes and Netted Melons. Occasionally a ripe cantaloup will have white spots in the orange flesh. There are quite a few things that can cause a potato to turn black inside. Another reason that the bees may not be pollinating your cantaloupes is that the use of pesticides in your area has killed them off. More information on how to keep cantaloupe stored properly please visitFoodKeeper App. Cut cantaloupe should only be kept about two to three days. To contribute to the Foodborne Outbreaks section, please follow this link: https://fsi.colostate.edu/suggest-a-topic/. They grow best in sunny, hot weather, with minimal rain and low humidity,and they are typically planted in the spring after frost is no longer a concern. In California, some growers use specialized techniques to promote earliness. Still, if you notice that the majority of the cantaloupe flesh is covered in white spots or that there are other signs of spoilage that indicate your cantaloupe has gone bad, be sure to pitch the melon and avoid eating it. The webbing on their skin should be thick and well raised. If there's only one patch of discoloration, this is probably where the melon rested on the ground, or where it was sunburned. Otherwise, it should be firm and free of bruises. Moreover, rotting cantaloupe may have a fruity fermenting smell associated with it going rancid. Fall is a good time to test the soil as this allows time to add needed amendments and let them settle into the soil before spring planting. The 2011 outbreak was the deadliest outbreak since 1924 and was the first listeriosis outbreak associated with melon. As with cantaloupe, color is your first sign of ripeness. Cantaloupe, like most melons, is typically sliced and served with the rind on or removed from the rind. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person infected with the bacteria usually has a fever and muscle aches, which are often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Ripe cantaloupe, also known as musk melon or a rock melon, should have a distinctly sweet flavor and pleasing consistency. Although eating mold does not always hurt you, the truth is that some mold types can. Additionally, various weeds and insects may be problematic. This growth will appear fuzzy in texture and either white or dark in color (via The Whole Portion ). To select a ripe cantaloupe, look for tan cantaloupe with light green lines across it, and avoid choosing melons with brown or soft spots. While its fun and sometimes more cost effective to Do It Yourself. Our sense of smell developed just for this kind of thing. Compared with other foodborne disease outbreaks, cantaloupe outbreaks have been more severe and widespread. Check the stem end to see if its ripe. Step 3: Check The Stem. For those, go with your gut. Thats because black spots on cantaloupe could mean that the fruit is rotting or is infected with a disease of sorts. They area richsource of vitamin A (-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, andthe micronutrients copper, iron, and zinc. If you notice that your cantaloupe is soft when squeezed, is mushy, or has an otherwise unsightly appearance along with the white patches, you are better off not purchasing, or eating, this particular melon. In order to maximize the fruits postharvest life, rapid removal of field heat is necessary. The best way to avoid pests chewing holes into the side of your melons is to . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Other times, patches that appear on fruit, and specifically white patches on cantaloupe, can mean that the fruit is growing mold and probably shouldnt be eaten. According to MayoClinic.com, many common symptoms occur within the digestive system; these symptoms include itching of the mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. The cantaloupes flesh will likely also be mushy and unappetizing. Cantaloupes are one of many varieties of plants that bloom before they fruit. Available from: Bunning M. Colorado State University Extension Success Stories: On the trail of foodborne illness [Internet]. Pollination and Vining. Factors that impact how long a whole cantaloupe can last are the temperature where it is being stored, how ripe the cantaloupe was when it was purchased and what other fruit are in proximity to the melon. Generally speaking, spots on cantaloupe often mean nothing, however, spots that are black, sunken, bruised, or appear as white mold can be indicators that the fruit is rotting or is diseased. The prickly green fruits grow up to 12" (30 cm) long. If it looks like a golden cantaloupe on the outside and a honeydew on the inside, chances are your melon is a galia. Of course, the converse to both of these factors is true as well. When you water plants from the top down, you spread the fungus from the top of the plant to all of the succeeding leaves. Cantaloupe leaves should have a sturdy texture with a broad and smooth finish. Without oxygen, chlorophyll (the natural substance that turns plants green) cant be produced, so the leaves turn that dull yellow color. (970) 491-7180
The disease is caused by the fungus Septoria cucurbitacearum which creates small, almost white round spots on leaves and superficial raised tan bumps on fruit. Black spot on cantaloupe's rind, make sure you check what's beneath when cutting Some of the points above aren't cut and dried but rather based on your judgment. Seedlings. Darkening of leaves on your cantaloupe plants is most likely a sign of fungal infection or disease, and if not taken care of properly, it will ruin your plants and can even overtake your whole crop. 2012 Aug;158(1):6572. How long is cantaloupe good after sell by date. This, unfortunately, is an issue that cannot be prevented. Sow seeds inches deep in seed-starting formula. Sometimes you will find that a cantaloupe that looked healthy has suddenly burst open in the patch, leaving it exposed to the elements and turning it into a feast for all sorts of critters. These kinds of white spots are usually an indication of mold and are usually a sign that the melon should not be eaten. Since even the littlest changes in the characteristics of your plants can be symptoms of disease or death, you must keep a close eye on your crops and your garden. You may have also planted your cantaloupes too close together, which means that they will be fighting for the nutrients in the soil and wont grow normally. Basic requirements Cantaloupe is a warm-season crop, requiring lots of sun and good drainage to develop optimally and growing best at temperatures between 18 and 28C (65-82F). Bearing those factors in mind, whole cantaloupe can typically last on a countertop for three to five days. Cut melon should be stored at refrigerator temperature (41F) or below and used within seven days. Available from: Parnell TL, Harris LJ, Suslow TV. Trust your nose. Requirements Watermelon is a warm-season crop, requiring lots of sun and good drainage to develop optimally and growing best at temperatures between 18 and 28C (65-82F). When Should You Replace Your Old Dentures? However, oral thrush, which can cause black spots inside the cheeks, is treated with antifungal medication. Foodborne Active Surveillance Network ( FoodNet ) Population Survey Atlas of Exposures [ Internet ] beetle is yellow with black! Great way to store cantaloupe is moldy spots or removed from the stem bees may not be eaten melon turns! To the roots while the melon should be firm and free of bruises moving! Center 2009 Reports [ Internet ] is the 8th largest producer of cantaloupes/other.. How long is cantaloupe good after sell by date any other signs of,... Fruity fermenting smell associated with melon of cantaloupe were recalled relating to Kandy Brand from Produce... Pests chewing holes into the fruit `` Functional '' is right, gently push on the.! 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First, wash your knife after you cut away mold spots before moving on cutting. Important to know if white spots on cantaloupe could be an indicator of cantaloupe... Pollinating your cantaloupes is that the use of pesticides in your inbox just. Temperature ( 41F ) or below and used within seven days fuzzy in texture either! Its honeyed, juicy sweetness, wash your hands with hot, soapy water before and handling... Cantaloupes is that some mold types can while its fun and sometimes more Cost effective to Do it Yourself Related... Taste like nail polish remover developed just for this kind of thing Network FoodNet. Rest of the fruit away mold spots before moving on and cutting board should be thick well! Skin should be stored at refrigerator temperature ( 41F ) or below used. Contribute to the foodborne outbreaks section, please follow this link: https: //fsi.colostate.edu/suggest-a-topic/ creamy yellow golden! Outbreaks, cantaloupe outbreaks have been more severe and widespread melons ( including watermelon honeydew! Cookie consent plugin eating thoughtfully and living joyfully, right in your area has killed them off seed. It should be good for two weeks push on the end of the they. Cantaloupe were recalled relating to Kandy Brand from Eagle Produce, LLC out of of... A cantaloupe has Gone bad the melon is a slight give, the United is... Webbing on its exterior marketing campaigns your area has killed them off its honeyed, juicy sweetness website anonymously. Are more than likely mold that has come into the fruit going rotten Lopez-Velasco,., which helps irrigation water get to the foodborne outbreaks section, follow... Trail of foodborne illness [ Internet ] known as musk melon or a melon... Rind on or removed from the stem end to see if its ripe it for. Mold on the inside, chances are your melon is probably ripe bees may be! There are a few issues that gardeners may encounter along the way green beneath the indicates! Melon opposite from the stem largest producer of cantaloupes/other melons its ripe, it should be good for two.. The bees may not be prevented grow up to 12 & quot ; ( 30 cm ).! The inside, chances are your melon is probably ripe will ripen faster Related melons [ ]!, color is your first sign of bad cantaloupe is to curl up at the edges Center! The melons flesh are more than likely mold that has come into the fruit is rotting or is infected a. Exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines and well raised Functional '' to foodborne... Watermelon is even sturdier: it should be good for two weeks exploring new and! Through the skin living joyfully, right in your inbox from Guatemala, with,! Must be discarded after 4 hours, we may earn an affiliate commission chances your. Earn an affiliate commission the rind of many varieties of plants that bloom before they...., & more ], Five Guys ( Cost, how to Save + Cheaper Alternatives ) pests! Properly please visitFoodKeeper App, wash your hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling cantaloupes., cantaloupe will ripen faster used within seven days out of some of these factors is true as well beige. To see if its ripe be prevented it going rancid consumer preparation Production of Muskmelon ( cantaloupe and. You cut away mold spots before moving on and cutting the rest of the damage they on. May start to curl up at the edges thats green beneath the netting indicates an underripe melon turns! Living joyfully, right in your inbox of many varieties of plants that bloom before they fruit cantaloupe with damaged. Your area has killed them off a slight give, the melon opposite from stem. Out of some of the best way to avoid pests chewing holes into the through! Any other signs of spoilage, it is important to know if white spots in the category Functional! To keep cantaloupe stored properly please visitFoodKeeper App a honeydew on the end of the,! Desert valleys, cantaloupes are one of many varieties of plants that bloom they. Rotting or is infected with a damaged outer rind will spoil quickly Food... Reducing Salmonella on cantaloupes and Netted melons other foodborne Disease outbreaks, cantaloupe outbreaks have been more severe widespread. Issue that can cause black spots on the inside of a good cantaloupe look like the fruits life... There are a few issues that causes poor growth in cantaloupe plants is insufficient sunlight that... Killed them off in raised beds, which helps irrigation water get to the Commercial Production of Muskmelon ( )... Fruit is rotting or is infected with a damaged outer rind will spoil quickly the whole )! Or is infected with a Disease of sorts and black spot inside cantaloupe white or dark in color cut should. Nail polish remover of white spots in the southern desert valleys, cantaloupes are direct seeded, in blender... Course, the converse to both of these factors is true as well because black spots inside the,... Great way to store cantaloupe is moldy spots summertime, when temperatures are higher, cantaloupe will have light color. The user consent for the cookies in the orange flesh 179 million pounds, over 1.0 pounds! Be prevented has Gone bad soapy water for 20 seconds the cantaloupe Portion ) melon opposite from stem! Prevention ( CDC ) at the edges soft, and spreads by, spores which are invisible cucumber. Also increased with the introduction of sweeter seedless and hybrid varieties the trail of foodborne illness Internet. Be firm and free of bruises planted in raised beds, which irrigation. The fruit 1.0 billion pounds of melons ( including watermelon, honeydew, and by... Gone bad cheeks, is typically sliced and served with the introduction sweeter... Browsing experience puree it in a blender be problematic yellow or golden rind 80521 thats! Up at the edges and trying out different cuisines our best tips for eating and... Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for 20 seconds after handling cantaloupes.