Cantaloupe and Honeydew Recipes

February 13, 2011

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Melon Basics

In Season: Melons need heat to turn sweet, so summer and early fall are their prime seasons.

What to Look For: Look for those that are fragrant and heavy. Press the end opposite the stem to feel for a bit of give. Give the melon a tap; you'll hear a hollow thump if it's ripe.

How to Store: Store whole melons in a cool spot. If cut, cover wedges in plastic and refrigerate up to four days.

Learn the easiest way to cut a melon in our video tutorial.

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Blackberry-Cantaloupe Salad

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Ginger, mint, and lime zest add a refreshing tropical twist to this colorful summer fruit salad.

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Cantaloupe, Lime, and Chili Soup

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All you need to make this no-cook cold soup is a refrigerator, a blender, and 15 minutes. The secret to the surprisingly complex flavor is pairing the mellow produce with a shot of spice.

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Green Fruit Bowl with Frozen Grapes

Credit: Christopher Baker
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Icy grapes, apple, kiwi, and honeydew melon make up a fruit-based take on "green" salad. A lemon thyme dressing brings the flavors together.

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Honeydew Agua Fresca

Inspired by traditional Mexican fruit drinks, this thirst-quenching cooler combines honeydew juice (made by straining the pureed fruit), lime juice, and a little sugar.Get the Honeydew Agua Fresca Recipe

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Summer Fruit Sangria

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Ginger and mint (or basil) add a crisp twist to this refreshing melon sangria.

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Cantaloupe, Tarragon, and Vodka Sherbet

Credit: Naho Kubota
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This sherbet upgrade erases all memories of cloyingly sweet, neon-hued orbs. It’s luscious and balanced, with just a hint of dairy.

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Poached Shrimp with Honeydew, Radishes, Jicama, and Scallions

Credit: Yunhee Kim
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Tangy lemon, salty fish sauce, and black pepper form the dressing for this refreshing main-course salad.

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Honeyed Fig and Melon with Blue Cheese and Almonds

Credit: Christopher Baker
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Slices of salty, pungent blue cheese are naturally suited for sweet figs, cantaloupe, and generous drizzles of honey. Serve a platter as an easy cheese course at the end of a meal.

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Chickpea, Melon, and Rosemary Salad

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This Italian-inspired salad perfumed with garlic and rosemary and laced with speck (smoked prosciutto) is a beautiful contrast between savory and sweet.

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Melon Granitas

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When the temperature soars, these chilly sweets will provide cool relief (and lots of smiles).

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Tea-Scented Melon

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To make this refreshing, floral dessert, marinate melon wedges in aromatic jasmine green tea.

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Cantaloupe and Mozzarella with Prosciutto and Basil

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Paint a portrait in pastels with this inviting arrangement of antipasti.

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Creamy Cantaloupe Custards with Mixed Berries

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These silky panna-cotta-inspired desserts are bursting with ripe melon flavor.

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Frozen Melon-Margarita Pops

Credit: Hans Gissinger
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Is it a cocktail or a refreshing, vitamin-packed fruit snack? Stop, you're both right!

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Melon with Honeyed Yogurt

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Elegant in its simplicity, this light breakfast or dessert can be assembled in just a few minutes.

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Melon-Berry Ice Pops

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Greek yogurt gives these fruity treats a touch of tang.

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Prosciutto with Melon

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This classic Italian appetizer is light and refreshing -- perfect for a summer evening.

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Honeydew and Cream Ice Pops with Pistachios

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Why should kids have all the fun? These ice pops will delight even the most discerning grown-ups, and they make a handy dessert for a backyard barbecue -- no forks, spoons, or plates required.

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Melon-Mint Vodka

Credit: Emily Kate Roemer
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This infused booze is great simply mixed with seltzer or ginger ale, but try it in a Melon Mule for something special.

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Honeydew Granita Spritzer

Credit: James Wojcik
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Sweet honeydew melon puree, mouth-puckering lime juice, and seltzer are combined in this effervescent drink.

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Prosciutto, Melon, and Balsamic Vinegar Bruschetta

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The classic pairing of sweet melon and salty prosciutto is enhanced by a splash of vinegar.

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Cantaloupe with Ricotta and Pistachios

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Start the day on a bright note with fresh melon, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts.

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Cucumber, Cantaloupe, and Squash Salad

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Use a vegetable peeler or a mandoline to slice thin ribbons of cantaloupe, cucumber, and yellow summer squash for this refreshing and colorful salad. Just before serving, drizzle with yogurt-lime dressing.

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Cantaloupe Yogurt Drink

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Blend juicy chunks of cantaloupe with yogurt, honey, and ice to make this out-of-the-ordinary smoothie.

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