Cantaloupe & muskmelon

In season in SW Michigan

In season

Months from the MSU Extension seasonal availability guide. Weather shifts dates a little each year.

Key nutrients

%DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4+. Values are USDA lab averages scaled to the serving; your harvest may differ.

Wellness

A cup of cantaloupe cubes has about 54 calories, 59 mg of vitamin C (65% DV) and 270 mcg of vitamin A (30% DV). (USDA) The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says the body needs vitamin C to make collagen, which helps wounds heal, and that vitamin C improves absorption of iron from plant foods and helps the immune system work properly. (NIH ODS) NIH ODS also says vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. Plants supply carotenoids such as beta-carotene, which the body can turn into vitamin A. (NIH ODS)

Pick, store and use

• Pick

  Choose muskmelons that break easily from the vine when ripe; the end opposite the stem should be slightly soft. Skip melons with broken skin. (MSU Extension)

• Store

  Keep whole melons at room temperature. Wrap cut pieces tightly and refrigerate; they last up to 3 days. (MSU Extension · MSU Extension)

• Use

  Rinse or scrub the rind under cool running water before cutting so dirt on the outside isn't carried into the fruit. (MSU Extension)

Where to get it nearby

• Rajzer's Farm Market & GreenhousesDecatur · Van Buren Co.
• Sill Brothers U-PickSouth Haven · Allegan Co.

See all farms →

Farms whose listing mentions cantaloupe, muskmelon or just “melons”. Check with the farm before you go.