where is cantaloupe grown in the us

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Where is most of the cantaloupe grown in the US?

CaliforniaThe largest producing States are California (58 percent) and Arizona (26 percent). The United States imports over one-third of the cantaloupes consumed in the country.

What state grows the best cantaloupe?

California produced 690.3 million pounds of cantaloupe in 2021, accounting for more than 65% of the cantaloupe produced in the United States.

Where does America get cantaloupe?

Buying the Fruit A fun fact is that in 2013, the US produced over 900,000 tons of cantaloupes! Most are cultivated in hot states including California, Arizona, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Florida.

Where is cantaloupe grow best?

Plant cantaloupe in an area with warm soil (70°F+) and plenty of sun. Cantaloupes are sprawlers, so plant them 36 to 42 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Growing cantaloupes require a lot of nutrients, so it's best to improve your soil by mixing in several inches of compost or other rich organic matter.

Where are most melons grown in the US?

Thus, the primary commercial producers of all U.S. melons are found in the southern portion of the country including California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia and Florida. The harvest season for melons lasts from April through December but varies within states.

Who produces the most cantaloupe?

Production Trends of Top 10 Producers of CantaloupeCountryProduction %1Global2China48.62%3Turkey6.06%8 more rows

Which cantaloupe is the sweetest?

What is this? For those with short growing seasons, Halona was specifically bred to be sweet, a prolific yielder, and earlier than most other cantaloupes. Because it's so productive and disease resistant, Halona is also recommended for those who have difficulty getting good yields when growing melons.

Which is the sweetest melon?

Due to their similar taste and texture, they can be used interchangeably in most recipes. However, honeydew is slightly sweeter with a firm, green flesh, while cantaloupe has softer, orange flesh.

What is American cantaloupe?

American cantaloupe is a variety of rounded and wrinkled melon. It originates in India and Africa. It began to be cultivated around 1700, from seeds brought from Armenia, by 1890 it became a commercial culture in the USA.

Is cantaloupe good for diabetics?

Cantaloupe Health Benefits That's almost as juicy as a watermelon. The high amount of liquid content gives cantaloupes a low glycemic load score of 4. That means your body digests it slowly and it won't make your blood sugar spike. So it's a great pick for people with diabetes.

Is cantaloupe native to America?

It likely first originated in the Middle East or India, but ancient Egyptians and Romans are known to have grown the melon. Cantaloupe was introduced to Europe in the 15th century and became a popular fruit due to its sweetness. The US cantaloupe is frequently called muskmelon.

Are cantaloupes good for you?

The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C present in cantaloupe are vital nutrients for your heart health. Potassium can help to lower high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Fiber helps to decrease levels of “bad cholesterol” in your body. It can also keep your blood pressure in check.

Which is better cantaloupe or honeydew?

In vitamin A, Cantaloupe wins again with 68% DV compared to 1% DV in honeydew. Both are based on a 3.5 ounce serving. If it is beta carotene you are wanting, cantaloupe is the melon you want.

Can you freeze cantaloupe?

Freezer bags should be used to keep cantaloupe pieces. Cantaloupes can be frozen and kept for up to 6 months if frozen properly. If you're looking for a quick meal or snack, frozen cantaloupe is an excellent choice. They will keep for up to six months in the freezer and will be just as tasty as they were fresh.

What's the watermelon Capital of the world?

CordeleCordele, also known as "The Watermelon Capital of the World", is a city in Crisp County, Georgia, United States. The population was 11,608 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Crisp County. Cordele is located along Interstate 75, 140 miles south of Atlanta and 100 mile north of the Florida state line.

Which state has the best watermelon?

Florida has historically been the top producer of watermelons and accounted for 19 percent of the 3.9 billion pounds of U.S. watermelon production in 2012.

What state grows the most watermelon?

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Summer means relaxing by the pool, barbeques and refreshing slices of watermelon and no one produces more of this favorite summertime fruit than Florida. The Sunshine State is the top producer of watermelon in the United States.

Where is the best melon in the world?

There are lots of different melons, from the ubiquitous cantaloupe to the fabulously expensive Yubari King. And the best of them all comes from a small town in Provence called Cavaillon. Melon de Cavaillon has a history that goes back to the days of the Avignon Papacy.

What country eats the most watermelon?

ChinaChina consumed over 70 million tons of watermelon last year, with the per capita watermelon consumption exceeding 50 kilograms (kg), as indicated by the FAO figures.

What do British people call cantaloupe?

Rockmelon = cantaloupe In the UK, they call it a plain ol' “melon”, while in South Africa, they call it a “spanspek” (hehe).

Can cantaloupe grow in Arizona?

With 300+plus days of sunshine, Arizona has two growing seasons for cantaloupe. More than 23,000 acres of cantaloupes are produced in Arizona, mainly in the spring. But in the fall, approximately 9,800 acres of cantaloupe are harvested.

Can melons grow in Arizona?

Cantaloupes are the largest melon crop in Arizona. In recent years approximately 20% more acres have been planted to spring cantaloupe than the fall crop. Yields are lower for the fall crop but prices are better. A smaller percentage of honeydew acreage is planted in the fall.

Can you grow cantaloupe in Phoenix?

In Arizona, our cantaloupe crop is a spring, summer and fall crop. Because of our 300-plus days of super sunshine in Arizona, cantaloupe and honeydew melons can be harvested in the spring and fall. Regarding Arizona watermelon, harvested acreage has ranged from 2,700 to 7,600 acres since 1992.

Can cantaloupe grow in the desert?

Muskmelon (often referred to as cantaloupe) and honeydew are favorite melons in home gardens because they're the sweetest and most flavorful when handpicked at the peak of ripeness. They also love the heat and do extremely well when grown in the desert Southwest.

Where do cantaloupes grow best?

If you want to grow your own cantaloupes, here’s where they do best: in hot, humid climates with rich, fertile soil that drains well. In these cond...

Do cantaloupe plants need full sun?

They need full sun or can they be planted in a smaller container under the sunniest window sill. The best way to start a new plant is to have it in...

Do cantaloupe plants climb?

They can be trained to grow in a vine up a trellis. The problem with the cantaloupe, though, is that it needs a lot of space for its fruit to ripen...

What is the best month to plant cantaloupe?

Plant cantaloupes in early spring, before the soil warms up too much. 1. If possible, plant them in a greenhouse or hoop house until the weather ge...

Are cantaloupe easy to grow?

Cantaloupe are a great addition to any garden. But they can be quite difficult to grow. I have been growing cantaloupes for years and every year my...

Where Does Cantaloupe Grow?

Cantaloupes are best grown in areas that have warm soil of up to 70 degrees F and plenty of sun. The sun is what sweetens this fruit.

How much heat does cantaloupe need?

Cantaloupe requires up to 2 to 3 months of heat to bring out that sweetness. This requirement makes it hard to grow them in the northern regions, but not impossible.

What is the key to a sweet cantaloupe?

The key to a sweet cantaloupe is lots of sugar that are made by leaves, therefore, protect your leaves by all means. Be on the lookout for fungus diseases that usually spread rapidly.

Where is Chimayo Melon from?

Chimayo Melon – This is a Spanish heirloom from Northern New Mexico.

Can you plant cantaloupe in the same area as cucumber?

Do not plant your cantaloupe where you had previously planted members of the cucumber family ( Cucurbitaceae) like squash, melons, and pumpkins.

Where are cantaloupes grown in Colorado?

Just under 85% of all Colorado cantaloupes are grown in the Southeast agricultural district, with the major contributing counties being Otero and Pueblo.

Which state has the most cantaloupe?

California is by far the largest producer of cantaloupe in the U.S., accounting for about 60% of the nation’s supply in 2018; Arizona is the second largest producer, accounting for 20% of the supply.

How are cantaloupes harvested?

Cantaloupes are harvested by hand, typically during what is known as the three-quarters to full-slip stage , when melons are mature/ripe, with a more golden appearance, when sugar levels are highest, and when the fruit begins to easily separate from the stem with a twist or pull. Over a 10–14 day period, fields are harvested 8 to 10 times. If pathogens are present during this time, they can become attached to the cantaloupe rind, particularly where the stem was removed (the stem scar).

How many people died from cantaloupe in 2011?

In 2011, the contamination of fresh, whole cantaloupes resulted in a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis and resulted in 147 illnesses and 33 deaths. An environmental assessment conducted after the outbreak concluded suggests that the combination of available nutrients on the rind, increased rind water activity, and insufficient cooling to remove field heat before cold storage created an ideal environment for the growth of Listeria

How long can you keep cantaloupe?

Cut melon should be stored at refrigerator temperature (41°F) or below and used within seven days. If the cut melon is kept above 41°F, it must be discarded after 4 hours.

What type of soil is best for cantaloupe?

Sandy soils are used for the earliest plantings because they warm more rapidly in the spring, while loam and clay loam soils are preferred for main-season production due to greater water-holding capacity, which favors a prolonged harvest period. Most cantaloupes are direct seeded, in a single seed line per bed.

What is Rocky Ford cantaloupe?

Many consider Rocky Ford cantaloupes to be some of the best. They are known for their quality and sweetness, which is the result of the seed used and the type of soil in the region —a sandy loam or clay-loam soil—as well as certain production practices used.

What Is a Cantaloupe?

Cantaloupes are a type of melon with a tan-green rind. Typically, the rind is covered in a spiderweb-like pattern, though some varieties may also be striped. Inside, the flesh is bright orange and sweet. Their growing requirements are similar to that of other popular melons, such as watermelons and honeydew melons.

What kind of soil do cantaloupes like?

Cantaloupes do best in well-draining soil that’s a mix between loamy and sandy. Plant in a spot that gets full sun. To produce the best melons, the plants need all the light they can get. Plus, afternoon sun will dry off leaves, reducing the risk of fungal and other diseases that come with wet foliage.

How long can you keep cantaloupe uncut?

Melons will soften after harvesting, but will not continue to sweeten off the vine. Cantaloupe can be stored uncut for 5 or 6 days.

How to tell when cantaloupe is ripe?

Be careful not to pick too early, however. Look for a crack in the stem where it attaches to the fruit. This is a sign of ripeness as well.

How long can cantaloupe be stored?

Cantaloupe can be stored uncut for 5 or 6 days. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic.

Can you start cantaloupe from seed?

Cantaloupes may be started from seed or purchased as young plants. In colder regions, starting with young plants is recommended, as it will give you a head start on the growing season.

Can you transplant cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe vines are very tender and should not be transplanted until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures remain above 60°F (16°C). If you live in a warmer climate, you may direct sow seeds outdoors as soon as the soil temperature warms to at least 60°F (16°C).

Where did cantaloupe originate?

Etymology and origin. The name cantaloupe was derived in the 18th century via French cantaloup from Italian Cantalupo, which was formerly a papal county seat near Rome, after the fruit was introduced there from Armenia. It was first mentioned in English literature in 1739.

How much does a cantaloupe weigh?

Cantaloupes range in weight from 0.5 to 5 kilograms (1 to 11 lb). Originally, cantaloupe referred only to the non-netted, orange-fleshed melons of Europe, but today may refer to any orange-fleshed melon of the C. melo species.

What is a rockmelon?

The cantaloupe, rockmelon (Australia and New Zealand), sweet melon, or spanspek (South Africa) is a melon that is a variety of the muskmelon species ( Cucumis melo) from the family Cucurbitaceae . Cantaloupes range in weight from 0.5 to 5 kilograms (1 to 11 lb).

How long can you keep cantaloupe after cutting?

The fruit should be refrigerated after cutting it and consumed in less than three days to prevent risk of Salmonella or other bacterial pathogens. A moldy cantaloupe in a Peoria, Illinois, market in 1943 was found to contain the highest yielding strain of mold for penicillin production, after a worldwide search.

What is the nutritional value of cantaloupe?

Fresh cantaloupe is a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value or DV) of vitamin C (44% DV) and vitamin A (21% DV), with other nutrients in negligible amounts (less than 10% DV) ( table).

What is the color of cantaloupe?

The European cantaloupe, C. melo var. cantalupensis, is lightly ribbed with a sweet and flavorful flesh and a gray-green skin that looks quite different from that of the North American cantaloupe.

Is cantaloupe a fruit?

Cantaloupe is normally eaten as a fresh fruit, as a salad, or as a dessert with ice cream or custard. Melon pieces wrapped in prosciutto are a familiar antipasto. The seeds are edible and may be dried for use as a snack.

Where did cantaloupe originate?

Cantaloupes were first cultivated in the Near East and were found growing in areas from Turkey to China, including north-west India, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. Several cantaloupe varieties were reportedly grown in the West Indies as early as 1494.

When are cantaloupes grown in Pennsylvania?

Fresh-market cantaloupes are produced in Pennsylvania from the end of June to the end of September. Cantaloupe cultivars recommended for Pennsylvania are listed in Table 1 (below). Fresh-market cantaloupes are usually sold loose in bulk containers or 40-pound cardboard boxes. Boxes generally contain nine to 23 cantaloupes, depending on individual fruit size. Several marketing alternatives are available to cantaloupe growers, including wholesale markets, marketing cooperatives, local retailers (grocery stores), roadside stands, farmers markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and pick-your-own operations. When planning production, first consider your access to market. You should conduct some market research—growers often overestimate their ability to sell in a particular market. Production of less than one acre is typical for many growers.

Why are cantaloupes harvested?

Cantaloupes are hand-harvested at the full-slip stage of maturity for best taste and texture. At full slip, the stem pulls away from the fruit, leaving a scar at the stem end. Because individual fruit are pollinated at different times, multiple harvests are typical. After harvest, check cantaloupes for size, maturity, and pest damage to ensure you are marketing a high-quality product.

How to manage cantaloupe weeds?

Weed management can be achieved with a good crop-rotation system, early cultivation, plastic mulch, and herbicides. Several preplant and postemergence herbicides are available for cantaloupes, depending on the specific weed problem and cantaloupe growth stage. If infestation levels are low, early cultivation (before vine running) can help minimize weed problems.

What is the best soil for cantaloupe?

Cantaloupes grow best on soils that hold water well and have good drainage. Soil should have a pH of 5.8 to 6.6. Cantaloupes are very sensitive to cold temperatures, and even a mild frost can injure the crop. The best average temperature range for cantaloupe production during the growing season is between 65 and 95°F; temperatures above 95°F or below 50°F will slow the growth and maturation of the crop. Cantaloupes require a constant supply of moisture during the growing season. However, excess water at any time during crop growth, especially as the fruit reaches maturity, can cause the fruit to crack, which will reduce crop yields and melon quality.

What is a cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe. Cantaloupes (a common name for muskmelons in the United States) are a crop that lends itself well to small-scale and part-time farming operations. There are multiple markets for growers with small acreages, and many field operations, such as land preparation, planting, and harvesting, can be custom hired.

How many bees per acre for fruit production?

A large, active honey bee population is essential for complete pollination and fruit set. One hive per acre is recommended for maximum fruit production. Insecticides applied to flowers or weeds in bloom can adversely affect populations of pollinating insects. With some insect pests infecting cantaloupes during bloom, extreme care must be taken in the choice of insecticides during this crucial period.

Where is Cantaloupe Grown in the U.S.?

The United States is a top producer of cantaloupes in the world, ranking 5th globally for the production of the sweet melon. The value of the commodity in the U.S. exceeded $261 million in 2015, and it continues to be a consumer favorite.

When do cantaloupes grow?

California and Arizona are known for having warm winters and favorable conditions, allowing cantaloupes to grow year-round. Staggering when seeds are planted can allow for harvests throughout the spring, summer, and fall, with peak season stretching from April all the way through December.

When is Cantaloupe Harvested?

This might come as a surprise, but cantaloupe was once considered a seasonal treat. Melons would be harvested in the fall, and then consumers would have to wait a year to be able to enjoy them again. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. Advancements in farming technology and the development of new, hardier varieties of cantaloupe has lengthened the growing season to allow for melons to be available year-round.

How are Melons Transported?

Because of the developed cantaloupe farming industry in the United States, cantaloupes are generally grown domestically and shipped around the country on freight trucks . However, there are a few options regarding freight trucks that shippers can choose from to suit their individual needs.

What are the best cantaloupes?

The grades for cantaloupe are as follows: 1 U.S. Fancy- Cantaloupes that meet these standards are considered the highest grade fruits, and are generally free from damages and aesthetic blemishes, and have good internal quality. 2 U.S. No 1- Cantaloupes in this category barely missed the mark for the U.S. Fancy grade because of aesthetic blemishes or oblong shape, though they still maintain good internal quality. 3 U.S. Commercial- Cantaloupes that are considered to be commercial grade are those that are moderately well-formed and reasonably well netted, although their internal quality may not be as good as the higher grades. Although they are not permitted to be damaged or deteriorating, they may have minor blemishes. 4 U.S. No 2- Cantaloupes in this category are the lowest possible grade that can still be shipped for consumption. These cantaloupes should be free from diseases and pests, but some degree of minor blemishes, bruising, discoloration, or oblong shape could be permitted. Anything that does not meet the standards of this grade should be discarded since it would be considered unfit for consumption.

What are the grading standards for cantaloupe?

These grading standards are what determines how much the melons can sell for, what they can be used for, and how and where they should be marketed.

How much melon does the average American eat?

In fact, the United States is the largest consumer of melon in the world, and the average American consumes roughly 27 pounds of melon a year! The recent development of sweeter and seedless varieties continues to improve the popularity of this tasty melon. Since melons only grow in warmer climates, truckload shipping has to be utilized ...

How long does it take for cantaloupe to grow?

Cantaloupes, also known as muskmelons, are available in dozens of cultivated and heirloom varieties, and grow best in hot weather, at least 2-3 months of consistent warmth. Cantaloupes love very sandy and loamy soil with good drainage, and a pH of around 6.

How to grow cantaloupe indoors?

If you started your cantaloupe indoors, plant your biodegradable pot in the middle of each mound, as close to the center as possible.

Why are my cantaloupe vines not setting?

A lack of pollinating insects can result in healthy-looking vines that never set. Cantaloupe vines produce male and female flowers, and pollination between them is necessary for fruiting. If you're growing cantaloupe in a greenhouse, or live somewhere that bees are scarce, you might need to pollenate by hand.

Why do you cover cantaloupe before planting?

If you want, it's common to cover the ground of your plot with plastic film or weed matting prior to planting, to speed the warming process of the soil. It's important to plant cantaloupe starts in warm soil to promote healthy growth. ...

What is the best cantaloupe?

There are hundreds of varieties of cantaloupe to choose from, but the classic Hale's Best, a popular melon with old-time growers, is one of the best.

When do cantaloupe leaves wilt?

It's typical for melon leaves to wilt significantly in the midday and stay wilted looking until the evening in extremely hot weather . This isn't necessarily a sign that you need to water the cantaloupe more, however, so look at the quality of the leaves, not the limpness.

Can you buy cantaloupe seeds?

Most of the time, you won't buy cantaloupe starts, you'll purchase seeds and start them yourself. On the seed package, pay particular attention to planting advice and information about keeping them safe, and pay particularly close attention to the length of time to maturation.

Where is the outbreak of cantaloupe grown?

Collaborative investigations by local, state, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicated that the source of the outbreak was whole cantaloupe grown at Jensen Farms’ production fields in Granada, Colorado. Among the 144 ill persons with available information on what they ate, 134 (93%) reported consuming cantaloupe in the month before illness onset. Several ill persons remembered the type of cantaloupes they had eaten and said they were Rocky Ford cantaloupes, which are grown in the Rocky Ford region of southeastern Colorado. Source tracing of the cantaloupes that ill persons ate indicated that they came from Jensen Farms, and were marketed as being from the Rocky Ford region. These cantaloupes were shipped from July 29 through September 10 to at least 24 states External

Can pregnant women eat cantaloupe?

CDC recommends that persons at high risk for listeriosis, including older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, do not eat cantaloupes marketed as coming from the Rocky Ford region of Colorado.

Can you dispose of cantaloupe?

Even if some of the cantaloupe has been eaten without becoming ill, dispose of the rest of the cantaloupe immediately. Listeria bacteria can grow in the cantaloupe at room and refrigerator temperatures.

Can you eat Rocky Ford cantaloupe?

CDC recommends that persons at high risk for listeriosis, including older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, do not eat Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms. Other consumers who want to reduce their risk of Listeria infection should not eat Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms .

Key Facts

Introduction

Foodborne Outbreaks and Recalls

Production

• Worldwide, the United States is the 8thlargest producer of cantaloupes/other melons. Nearly 14 million pounds of cantaloupes were produced in the U.S. in 2017, reaching a production value of over $260 million. However, both the harvested area and weight production of cantaloupe has decreased from 1992 to 2017—from 109,400 to 57,050 acres and 1.8 to...

See more on fsi.colostate.edu

Food Safety

Consumption

Nutrition

References

Overview

Production

In 2016, global production of melons, including cantaloupes, totaled 31.2 million tons, with China accounting for 51% of the world total (15.9 million tons). Other significant countries growing cantaloupe were Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and India producing 1 to 1.9 million tons, respectively.
California grows 75% of the cantaloupes in the US.

Etymology and origin

Types

Consumption

See also

External links