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Choosing a ripe melon can be real art! You pick it up, you squeeze it, you may even sniff or thump it, but how do you REALLY know if it's ripe and ready to eat? Which methods really work for judging the ripeness of a melon?
Here are some tips for choosing the three most popular melons:
Watermelons are probably ripe when they have these characteristics:
- Dull, hollow sound when thumped
- Cream or yellowish colored bottom
- Little contrast between stripes
- Heavy
- White bottom
Cantaloupes are probably ripe when they are:
- Very fragrant
- Slightly soft at the blossom end (opposite the stem)
- Heavy for its size
Honeydew are probably ripe when they are:
- Somewhat fragrant
- Slightly soft at the blossom end
- Finely veined on the surface
- Heavy for its size
Now that you know some tips for picking the best melons, get some the next time you go to the grocery store. Whip up a great and colorful fruit salad with all 3 or try adding melon to your next 70 Plus pudding for a flavorful summer treat! Here's a great melon smoothie to try -- it will cool you right off this summer!
Cool Melon Smoothie
2 servings. Per serving: Approx. 170 calories. 1 Fruit Serving.
1 c. cantaloupe -- peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 c. honeydew melon -- peeled, seeded, and cubed
1/4 c. lime juice
1 scoop HMR 120 Vanilla
1/4 c. water
5-6 ice cubes
2 TBL noncaloric sweeter (aspartame or Splenda)
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend well. Enjoy!
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