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cantaloupe
Scientific Name: Cucumis melo
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Cantaloupe: A Sweet Summer Treat
Cantaloupe, also known as cantelope, cantaloup, muskmelon (especially in India and the United States), mushmelon, rockmelon, sweet melon, honeydew, Persian melon, or spanspek (in South Africa), is a popular and refreshing fruit enjoyed worldwide.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cucumis melo
- Family: Cucurbitaceae (the gourd family)
- Taxonomic Rank: Variety of Cucumis melo. Some sources refer to Cucumis melo subsp. cantalupensis as "true cantaloupe."
Distribution and Habitat
Cantaloupe grows naturally in Africa and Asia.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cantaloupes have a hard, scaly or warty rind (in some varieties, particularly "true cantaloupe").
- The North American variety has a netted exterior. A "Tuscan Style" cantaloupe has a golden tan-hued, roughly netted exterior, segmented in grooves.
- The flesh is typically orange and juicy.
- They are known for their sweet, musky fragrance.
Additional Information
- Cantaloupe is considered a low-calorie fruit with a range of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and electrolytes.
- The orange color of the flesh indicates the presence of beta-carotene.