Cantaloupe vs Muskmelon – Real Cantaloupe

Most American’s are raised thinking that the fruit above is a Cantaloupe, but it isn’t.  What you see above is a Muskmelon (Cucumis melo ‘reticulatus’) which is sold in the United States as Cantaloupe.  So what does a real cantaloupe look like?  A real cantaloupe, also known as European Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo cantalupensis) is shown below.

European Cantaloupe has a smooth skin which is much harder than American muskmelon.  Cantaloupe also has a more subtle flavor and it is not commercially grown in the United States, mainly due to the fact that the muskmelon is easier to grow and has a stronger taste.  If you want a real European Cantaloupe you are either going to have to hunt for a local farmer that grows them or you will have to find them in Europe and/or Mediterranean countries.

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Cantaloupe vs Muskmelon - What is a real Cantaloupe?

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Learn the difference between a real cantaloupe and a muskmelon, also known as an American cantaloupe vs. a European cantaloupe.

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Derrick Chan

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Derrick Chan

Sr. Manager eCommerce Innovation at Taco Bell

Ever since I was 5 years old my mom had me helping out in the kitchen.So it didn’t come as a surprise that I ended up loving food.Whether eating, cooking, smelling, seeing, or reviewing I enjoy all aspects of food.

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