5 simple things to look for while picking right muskmelon and 3 simple ways to enjoy it during summer

When we talk about hydrating summer fruits, muskmelon, also known as cantaloupe, is a quintessential summer fruit loved for its juicy texture and naturally sweet flavor. It is high in water content and is said to keep the body hydrated during hot weather while offering a refreshing way to beat the heat. Nutritionally, muskmelon is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, which support healthy skin, boost immunity, and promote good vision. It is also low in calories and contains dietary fiber, making it a great choice for summer months. But when it comes to picking up the right melon, we often fall prey to good-looking ones which aren't sweet too. Here are 5 simple things to look for while picking right muskmelon.

The most basic and primary way of checking the ripening of muskmelon is to look at its colour. According to experts, a fully ripe muskmelon will be beige or creamy yellowish in colour, with little to no green patches. Also look at the texture on the skin. If you can see webbing lines on the skin clearly, it is a sign of fully ripened muskmelon.

Next and one of the most important way to check the level of ripening is to observe the stem. A ripe melon will naturally detach from its stem, while one that has been cut off too soon will still have some of it attached to the fruit. Also, the stem end should be round and smooth, as that is the sign of a fully ripened muskmelon. And if any substance is oozing out from the stem, it is also a sign of ripened melon.

With muskmelon, the smell is also a smart indicator to tell you if its ripe or not. A ripe muskmelon should have a sweet and slightly musky aroma close to the blossom end (the end opposite the stem). However, if the smell is too sweet, then it is most likely overripe.

According to experts, always press the bottom of the fruit gently. If it feels hard then the chances are that the melon is not fully ripe. Also, if the bottom looks slightly green in colour then also the chances are that the fruit is not fully ripe. And if the bottom pushes inside easily without any pressure, then the fruit it fully ripe and ready to be consumed.

This is the last thing to check before buying a muskmelon. Always pick up the fruit and compare it. If it is ripe, it would feel heavier as if it is filled with sweet and juicy pulp. And if it feel a bit light, then you need to change and pick the right one.

Classic Chilled Muskmelon Bowl: This is the most famous and classic way of enjoying a muskmelon and trust us, nothing beats it. Just peel and cube fresh muskmelon, chill it for an hour, and enjoy it as is. And if it is too sweet, sprinkle a pinch of black salt or chaat masala for a desi twist.
Muskmelon Smoothie: This is for all the smoothie lovers. All you need to do is, blend muskmelon cubes with a little chilled milk or coconut milk, a few soaked almonds or walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Add ice if needed. Enjoy it fresh.
Muskmelon Mint Salad: This one is for salad lovers. All you need to do is, mix muskmelon cubes with fresh mint leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. One can also add cucumber to it. Enojoy it chilled.