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Cantaloupe is one of those fruits that instantly says summer. Sweet, juicy, and refreshing, it’s perfect for snacking, smoothies, and easy summer bowls. Once you learn how to cut cantaloupe into slices or cubes, it becomes second nature—and makes healthy summer eating feel simple and doable. Follow this tutorial to have fresh cantaloupe to eat or add to a cantaloupe smoothie.
How to Choose a Good Cantaloupe
Look for a cantaloupe that feels heavy for its size, has no soft or dark spots, and gives slightly when pressed. If it’s underripe, let it sit on the counter for a day or two until it softens—ripe cantaloupe is sweeter and much easier to cut.
Before slicing, rinse the outside to remove dirt or residue, and use a sharp chef’s knife for clean, safe cuts.
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How to Cut Cantaloupe in Half
Place the cantaloupe on a sturdy cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, slice it in half from top to bottom. Go slow and steady—the rind is firm, but a sharp knife makes all the difference.
Scoop Out the Cantaloupe Seeds
Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy center from each half. Discard the seeds or save them for compost.
How to Slice Cantaloupe into Sections
Lay each half cut-side down and slice into wedges. This makes the next step easier and keeps the melon stable as you work.
Remove the Cantaloupe Rind
Hold each wedge firmly and carve the orange flesh away from the rind with your knife. From here, you can dice the melon into cubes or leave it in slices, depending on how you plan to use it.
How to Store Cantaloupe
If uncut, the melon can sit at room temperature on your counter. Once you cut cantaloupe, it needs to be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
Cantaloupe Tips for Smoothies
- Freeze diced cantaloupe on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
- Frozen cantaloupe blends beautifully and replaces the need for ice.
- Choose a ripe cantaloupe that smells slightly sweet at the stem end and feels heavy for its size.
More Produce Cutting Tutorials
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How to Cut a Cantaloupe
Ingredients
- cantaloupe
Instructions
- Place the cantaloupe on a cutting board and use a large, sharp knife to cut it in half from top to bottom.
- Scoop out and discard the seeds from the center of each half using a spoon.
- Slice each half into wedges, keeping the cut side down for stability.
- Carefully carve the orange flesh away from the rind.
- Slice or dice as needed for snacking, smoothies, or fruit bowls.
Helpful Tools
Notes
- Wash cantaloupe before cutting.
- Store in air-tight container in fridge.
