The true cantaloupe is a different species of melon than we are used to, it is mostly grown in France and rarely found in the United States. It gets its name from the Italian papal village of Cantalup where it was first cultivated around 1700 A.D. Due to their similarities we will still use the term "cantaloupe" when referring to the muskmelon. The cantaloupe is a melon that belongs to the same family as the cucumber, squash, pumpkin and gourd. The exact origin of melons is unclear, although they are thought to have originated in either India, Africa or ancient Persia. Historical texts from Greek and Roman times also mention cantaloupes. They were introduced to the United States during colonial times but were not grown commercially until the very late 19th century. Many of the cantaloupes available today are hybrids of muskmelons and true cantaloupes and have qualities that reflect both.
Anti-coagulant: A unique compound in cantaloupe helps decrease the viscosity of the blood, hence preventing the abnormal formation of blood clots in the cardiovascular system.
Arteriosclerosis: Regularly consuming vitamin C retards the development of hardening of the arteries.
Cancer prevention: The high vitamin C content acts as a good anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.
Cataracts: The natural vitamin A from beta-carotene in this juice lowers the risk of cataracts, and generally helps improve your vision too.
Cholesterol: Drinking juices high in anti-oxidant has been proven to fight the oxidative stress. This is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDL's in the blood, and making them a concern for heart disease.
High blood pressure: Potassium in this melon helps us excrete sodium, thus bringing down high blood pressure.
Immune system: The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.
Insomnia: A special compound in cantaloupe relieves the nerves, and calm anxieties. A help for insomniacs.
Water retention: Especially in pregnant women. Cantaloupe helps your body excrete excess sodium, thus reducing water retention.
While beta-carotene and vitamin A are fat-soluble antioxidants, vitamin C functions as an antioxidant in the water-soluble areas of the body. So, between it's beta-carotene, and vitamin C content, cantaloupe has all areas covered against damage from oxygen free radicals. In addition to its antioxidant activity, vitamin C is critical for good immune function.
For
the most antioxidants, choose fully ripened melon. There many things
that you can look for to tell if a melon is ripe. If you tap the
melon with the palm of your hand, and if you hear a hollow sound, the
melon has passed the first test. Pick a melon that seems heavy for its
size, and one that doesn't have any bruises or soft spots. The rind,
underneath the netting, should have turned to yellow or cream from the
green color that the unripe fruit has. The end opposite where the stem
was should be slightly soft, and you should be able to smell the fruit's
sweetness. Be careful though, an overly strong odor may be an
indication of an overripe fruit. Leaving a firm cantaloupe at room
temperature for several days will allow the texture of its flesh to
become softer, and juicier. Only leave cantaloupe at room temperature if
it is whole, unsliced, and not fully ripe. Once the cantaloupe has
reached its peak ripeness, place it in the refrigerator to store. Melon
that has been cut should be stored in the refrigerator and should be
wrapped so that the ethylene gas that it emits does not affect the taste
or texture of other fruits and vegetables. If left at room temperature
for 2-4 hours, and not eaten, sliced cantaloupe is considered no longer
safe for consumption and must be discarded. Mostly because of Salmonella
contamination.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
has found that minimal processing of the fruit, cutting, packaging and
chilling, does not significantly affect its nutritional content even
after 6, and up to 9, days. A more delicious, sweet and savory fruit
you'll never eat. Cantaloupe, while just fine eaten alone as a desert
also goes good with many cheeses, wines, and even deli-meats. I think
it's great breakfast cereal, smoothies, or yogurt. It's a standard in
fruit salads, and it also makes great warm weather milk-shakes. Good
Luck...Cantaloupe Milk Shake:
Ingredients:
2 cups Milk
1 cup Plain Vanilla or French Vanilla icecream
1-3 tps Honey
1/2 tps Almond extract
1. Blend cantaloupe pieces till a smooth pulp is formed.
2. Add milk, honey, almond extract and blend again for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ice-cream to it and whip for 1 minute adding 1-2 ice cubes.
4. Serve chilled.
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