Have you ever bought a cantaloupe and cut it into pieces, only to have it go bad within a few days? Let’s show you how to freeze Cantaloupe so you can enjoy it all year round! All you need is a container of some sort and some freezer space.
It can be tough to eat a whole cantaloupe before it goes bad. But what if you could freeze it and enjoy it later?
Here are some reasons why you might want to freeze Cantaloupe:
-You bought a too-big cantaloupe and didn’t want it to go to waste
-You want to enjoy Cantaloupe out of season
-Use Cantaloupe in a smoothie or other recipe that calls for frozen fruit
For your reason, freezing Cantaloupe is easy to do and only requires a little prep work.
Jump to:
- What is a Cantaloupe?
- Cantaloupe Health Benefits
- Cantaloupe Nutrition Facts
- What to look for when purchasing a Cantaloupe
- How to store Cantaloupe
- How to freeze Cantaloupe and enjoy it later
- How to thaw Cantaloupe
- How to use frozen Cantaloupe
- Frozen Cantaloupe Smoothie
- Frozen Cantaloupe Smoothie
- FAQs about How to use frozen Cantaloupe
But before knowing how to freeze a cantaloupe, let’s learn more about this fruit.
What is a Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is a melon with high water content, typically round or oval. It has a pale green or orange rind.
It has orange flesh and is very sweet and juicy.
Cantaloupes are native to Africa and were first grown in ancient Egypt.
Today, they are one of the most popular types of melon around the world.
You can eat Cantaloupe fresh and in various salads, juices, and desserts.
They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
So next time you’re at the supermarket, pick up a cantaloupe and enjoy its delicious flavor!
Cantaloupe Health Benefits
Most people think of Cantaloupe as a delicious summer treat.
But did you know that this tasty fruit also packs a powerful nutritional punch?
Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.
Vitamin A is essential for eye health, while vitamin C helps to boost immunity.
Potassium is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and fiber helps to promote digestive health.
In addition, Cantaloupe contains antioxidants that can help to protect cells from damage.
So next time you’re looking for a refreshing snack, reach for a cantaloupe (you can freeze it) – it’s not just delicious but good for you, too!
Cantaloupe Nutrition Facts
100 g Cantaloupe, raw has:
34 kcal Calories
0.84 g Protein
8.16 g Carbohydrates
0.9 g Fiber
7.86 g Sugars
9 mg Calcium
267 mg Potassium
36.7 Mg Vitamin C
Here you can find more nutrition facts on cantaloupe.
What to look for when purchasing a Cantaloupe
Summertime is cantaloupe season, and there’s nothing quite like a ripe melon to satisfy your sweet tooth.
But how can you tell if a cantaloupe is ripe and ready to eat?
Here are a few things to look for when selecting at grocery stores or your local farmer’s market.
First, check the color of the melon. Cantaloupes should be mostly tan, with a hint of green around the stem.
Second, give the melon a gentle squeeze.
It should yield slightly to pressure but not be too soft.
Finally, take a sniff—a ripe cantaloupe will have a sweet, fragrant aroma.
Also, avoid overripe cantaloupe with bruises, blemishes, or dull appearance.
With these pointers in mind, you’re sure to choose a delicious cantaloupe that will make the perfect summer snack.
How to store Cantaloupe
Like all fruits, Cantaloupe should be appropriately stored to preserve its nutritional value and prevent spoilage.
You can store uncut Cantaloupe at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, a few days after you buy it.
On the other hand, if you live in warm weather or your kitchen is too humid, store the melon in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cut it up.
To keep your Cantaloupe fresh longer once it is cut, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before storing it in the refrigerator. Also, you can place it inside an airtight container.
Wash the outside of your melon thoroughly before cutting into it so that no dirt or harmful bacteria gets onto the fruit’s flesh when you use a knife or peeler on it later.
You can store Cantaloupe in the refrigerator for up to ten days. However, if you want to keep it longer, then freeze it.
How to freeze Cantaloupe and enjoy it later
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious frozen Cantaloupe to enjoy in no time!
1. Choose ripe, but not overripe, Cantaloupe
2. Cut the melon with a sharp knife
3. Remove Cantaloupe seeds and pulp
4. Cut Cantaloupe with the sharp knife into chunks or balls, or puree it depending on what you intend to use it for once thawed.
5. Place the cantaloupe pieces on a baking tray with parchment paper or plastic wrap in a single layer.
6. Flash freeze for 2-3 hours or until solid.
7. Transfer the frozen melon from the baking tray to a plastic bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
8. Label and date the freezer containers.
9. Freeze for up to 6 months.
You can also store it pureed in ice cube trays. In that way, you can get the amount you need when you want.
Now that you know how to freeze Cantaloupe, why not give it a try?
This summer fruit is a refreshing and healthy treat you can enjoy all year round.
Read our post on How to Freeze Apples (The easiest way!).
How to thaw Cantaloupe
The best way to thaw frozen Cantaloupe is in the refrigerator.
Plan and ensure your Cantaloupe is in the refrigerator when you go to bed or leave for work in the morning.
If you are running short on time and need to thaw your Cantaloupe faster, place it in a bowl of cold water and change it frequently.
It takes approximately 1 hour per pound to thaw the frozen pieces.
The microwave is not recommended because it causes uneven heating, which may create moisture pockets in the fruit, causing spoilage.
How to use frozen Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is a delicious, refreshing fruit that you can add to smoothies or protein shakes.
There are different ways to use frozen Cantaloupe in your cooking.
You can use it in:
- Smoothie
- Juices
- Fruit teas
- Ice creams
- Melon sorbets
- Ice cubes in a cocktail
- Cantaloupe jam
- Baked goods
If you’re looking for a way to make your smoothies even more wholesome and nutritious, try adding frozen Cantaloupe.
When you’re ready to make your smoothie, add a few cantaloupe cubes to your blender and the rest of the ingredients.
The frozen fruit will help to give your smoothie a thick, creamy consistency and will make it even more refreshing on hot summer days.
Plus, Cantaloupe is packed with Vitamins A and C, so adding it to your diet is a great way to boost your immune system.
Frozen Cantaloupe Smoothie
Ingredients
This is what you need to prepare and enjoy your Frozen Cantaloupe Smoothie:
- 1 cup frozen melon chunks
- ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sweetener of choice)
Directions
Extremely easy!
Add all ingredients and blend until smooth.
Frozen Cantaloupe Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup Frozen melon chunks
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (or sweetener of choice)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.
Do you want to try another tropical smoothie? Check our post on Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie Copycat Recipe.
Also, you can check our Kiwi Quencher Tropical Smoothie Copycat Recipe post.
FAQs about How to use frozen Cantaloupe
Yes, you can! Just thaw it in the fridge overnight or for a few hours before eating.
The safest and most effective way to thaw frozen Cantaloupe is in the refrigerator.
But if you’re short on time, you can place it in a bowl of cold water, changing the water frequently.
Frozen Cantaloupe will last for six months appropriately stored in the freezer. It can last up to 12 months, but it may start to lose its flavor and nutrients.
No, you should not refreeze thawed Cantaloupe.
Once it’s been thawed, the fruit will spoil and be unsafe to eat.
Frozen Cantaloupe is a great way to enjoy this summer fruit all year round. It’s just as nutritious as fresh Cantaloupe and can be used in smoothies, shakes, and other recipes.
If you have a special dinner, you can read our post on Japanese Spices.