Introduction

Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud.) is often, incorrectly, referred to interchangeably as Muskmelon. This botanical group, however, includes honeydew, crenshaw, Persian, casaba and other 'mixed melons.

Maturity Indices

Cantaloupes are harvested by maturity and not by size. Commercial maturity is ideally at the firmripe stage or "3/4 to full-slip" when a clear abscission (slip, separation) from the vine occurs with light pressure. Cantaloupes ripen after harvest but do not increase in sugar content (see below).  Cultivars vary in their external color at this stage of maturity and may retain a greenish cast. This skin color typically transitions from gray to dull green when immature, deep uniform green at maturity, and light yellow at full ripeness. A raised and well-rounded netting on the fruit surface is another indicator of proper commercial maturity.

Quality Indices

Well-shaped nearly spherical and uniform in appearance. Smooth stem end with no adhering peduncle (stem-attachment) which suggests premature harvest. Absence of scars, sunburn or surface defects. Firm with no evidence of bruising or excessive scuffing. Appears heavy for size and has firm internal cavity without loose seeds or liquid accumulation. U.S. grades are Fancy, No. 1, Commercial and No. 2. Distinction among grades is based predominantly on external appearances and measured soluble solids. Federal Grade Standards specify a minimum of 11% soluble solids for U.S. Fancy ("Very good internal quality") and 9% soluble solids for U.S. 1 ("Good internal quality"). A calibrated refractometer, measuring oBrix, is accepted as the current standard for soluble solids measurements.

Sizing is based on count per 18.2 kg(40 lb.) container, most typically 9,12,15 and occasionally 18 or 23 melons per carton. An 18 to 45 count crate may also be used.

 

Introduction

Honeydew melon belongs to the Cucumis melo L. Inodorus group which includes crenshaw, casaba and other mixed melons.

Maturity Indices

Honeydews are harvested by maturity and not by size. Maturity is difficult to judge because no clear abscission (slip, separation) from the vine occurs. Maturity classes are grouped predominantly by changes in ‘ground color' from greenish to cream with yellow accents.

Quality Indices

Well-shaped nearly spherical and uniform in appearance. Absence of scars or surface defects, no evidence of bruising, appears heavy for size, surface waxy and not fuzzy.

U.S. grades are No. 1, Commercial and No. 2. Distinction among grades is based predominantly on external appearances. Sizing is based on count per 13.6 kg (30 lb.) container, most typically 4 or 5, and occasionally 6 melons per carton. High quality appearance is protected, in part, by packing with a partition to protect melons from bruising, compression and scuffing.

 

 

Please contact our Webmaster with questions or comments.
© Copyright 2008 Westside Produce, Inc.  All rights reserved.