A good quality cantaloupe should be well shaped with good netting or webbing over creamy-colored rind. Tip end should be smooth and slightly depressed. A ripe cantaloupe will have a distinctive aroma and the blossom end should yield to gentle pressure. Avoid shriveled or bruised fruit or cantaloupe with punctured or cracked rinds.
Storing and Handling
Temperature/humidity recommendations for short-term
storage of seven days or less:
32-36 degrees F/0-2 degrees C
90-98% relative humidity
Copyright & Disclaimer
PMA Fresh Produce Manual
Handling Tips
Handle ripe cantaloupe with care to avoid bruising or damage.
Troubleshooting
Pitting; rind decay:
These are indications of chill injury. To prevent chill injury, do not store cantaloupe below 30 degrees F/-1 degree C.
Bruising:
Bruising may result from rough handling. To prevent bruising, keep handling to a minimum; do not drop containers on floor.
Deterioration of flesh:
Flesh may begin to deteriorate if ripe cantaloupe is exposed to extreme fluctuations in temperature. To prevent deterioration, keep storage temperature constant.
Variety/Type Descriptions
Several varieties are available for commercial production. General characteristics include a thick, creamy rind with yellow netting. Peach-colored flesh is aromatic and juicy with a sweet flavor
Common Packaging
40-lb. cartons
11/9-bushel cartons/crates, and baskets
Grades
U.S. No. 1
U.S. Commercial
U.S. No. 2
Storing Tips
If cantaloupes are going to be used in 1 or 2 days, they may be held at room temperature (68-72 degrees F/20-21 degrees C). Otherwise, they should be properly refrigerated.
Shippers
DIXONDALE FARMS, INC. P. O. Box 127
1702 N. 1st, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834 PHONE # - 830-876-2430 FAX # - 830-876-9640 CONTACT - Mr. Bruce Frasier WEB SITE - http://www.dixondalefarms.com/ EMAIL - onionman@dixondalefarms.com
FRONTERA PRODUCE, LTD. P. O. Box 2019
1321 Frontera Road, Edinburg TX (78541), Edinburg, TX 78540-2019 PHONE # - 956-381-5701 FAX # - 956-381-5706 CONTACT - Mr. Will Steele WEB SITE - http://www.fronteraproduce.com/ EMAIL - fpltd.mail@fronteraproduce.com
WINTER GARDEN PRODUCE P. O. Box 1418, Uvalde, TX 78802 PHONE # - 830-278-3323 FAX # - 830-278-7241 CONTACT - Mr. J. Allen Carnes WEB SITE - http://www.wintergardenproduce.com/ EMAIL - jcarnes@wintergardenproduce.com
