Cantaloupe Melon (Cucumis melo cantalupensis)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Cucumis melo cantalupensis is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tasting of the melons, cantaloupes have a very watery flesh but with a delicate sweet flavour. — Said to be the finest-tasting of the melons, cantaloupes have a very watery flesh but with a delicate sweet flavour.; They are very refreshing, especially in hot weather.; Rich in vitamins B and C.; The flesh of the fruit can be dried, ground into a powder and used with cereals when making bread, biscuits etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Derived through cultivation, it is not known in a truly wild location. (Zone 9)