Eat Local: Cantaloupes
While locally grown harvest travels about 50 miles to its destination, the typical supermarket produce can travel up to 2,000 miles. Instead of buying produce from far-away farms, buy locally to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, highlight the significance of agriculture, and boost your local economy.
With cantaloupes available from March to July in Florida, you should consider purchasing local cantaloupes now before they disappear until next year.
Nutritional Facts
In addition to being naturally free of cholesterol and low in sodium, Florida cantaloupes have many nutritional benefits.
- Florida cantaloupes are rich in vitamin A—a vitamin that protects against infections and helps maintain normal vision and healthy skin.
- They are high in vitamin C, which helps to heal cuts and also keeps teeth and gums healthy.
- They serve as a good source of potassium, which helps control blood pressure.
How to Select Florida Cantaloupes
When searching for ripe cantaloupes, look for ones that are symmetrical and feel heavy for its size. The fruit should also smell sweet and have a soft stem with a yellow-colored rind. Additionally, check cantaloupes for any cracks, soft spots, or bruises to avoid buying ones that are not fresh.
Before cutting cantaloupes, be sure to wash them to remove any dirt and germs, and put cut melons in a sealed container inside the refrigerator.
Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office for more information on local food in your area.
Adapted and excerpted from:
C. Peñuela, “Florida Fresh: Cantaloupes” (FCS8878), UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (rev. 09/2012).
“Local Foods,” UF/IFAS Extension (03/2013).
Related Sites & Articles
- Hot Topics
- Community Supported Agriculture
- Starting a Farmers Market
- UF/IFAS Sites
- Local Food
- Other Sites & Publications
- Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food–USDA
- Local Food Resources–ATTRA
- Local and Regional Food Systems–ATTRA
