What To Do With Unripe Cantaloupe: 5 Options

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

Cantaloupes taste awesome and are full of nutrients, but **sometimes** you get one that’s not ripe.

While it may be tempting to throw it away, there are several things you can do with an unripe cantaloupe to make the most of it. 

Our team looked for creative ideas for what to do with unripe cantaloupe, including tips for ripening, ways to incorporate it into recipes, and more. 

Top 5 Things To Do With Unripe Cantaloupe

1. Ripen It

Ripening it is one of the best things you can do with an unripe cantaloupe. This is an excellent option if the cantaloupe [1] is only slightly unripe and needs a little more time to reach its full potential. 

To ripen an unripe cantaloupe, place it in a paper bag with an apple or banana and leave it at room temperature for a few days. The ethylene gas produced by the apple or banana will help to ripen the cantaloupe. 

You can check on the cantaloupe periodically to see if it has ripened to your liking. Once it’s ripe, you can enjoy it as is, cut it up for a fruit salad, or use it in any number of recipes. 

Read: How Long Will Blueberries Last On The Fridge?

2. Make A Cantaloupe Smoothie

Another great way to use unripe cantaloupe is to make a refreshing smoothie. Unripe cantaloupe is slightly less sweet than ripe cantaloupe, which makes it an excellent option for a healthy, low-sugar smoothie. 

Cut the cantaloupe into chunks and blend it with other fruits such as bananas or berries, a liquid such as milk or juice, and some ice. You can also add honey [2] or a sweetener for a sweeter smoothie. 

The result is a delicious and healthy smoothie perfect for a quick breakfast or a mid-day snack.

3. Use It In A Salad

Unripe cantaloupe can add a refreshing and slightly crunchy element to a salad. Cut the cantaloupe into small pieces and add it to a salad with greens, other fruits such as strawberries or blueberries, and a vinaigrette dressing. 

The slightly less sweet flavor of unripe cantaloupe pairs well with the tartness of the vinaigrette and the sweetness of other fruits, making for a well-balanced and flavorful salad. 

“The more colorful the food, the better. I try to add color to my diet, which means vegetables and fruits.’

– Misty May-Treanor, American Beach Volleyball Player

You can also add some nuts or cheese for extra texture and flavor. Using unripe cantaloupe in a salad is a great way to add variety to your meal while reducing food waste.

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4. Make A Salsa

Unripe cantaloupe can be used to make a unique and delicious salsa. To make a cantaloupe salsa, chop it into small pieces and mix it with diced onions, jalapenos, lime juice, and cilantro. 

The sweetness of the cantaloupe is balanced out by the jalapenos’ spiciness and the lime juice’s acidity, making for a well-rounded and flavorful dip. 

You can also add some salt and pepper to taste. This salsa pairs well with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meat. 

5. Grill It

Grilling unripe cantaloupe is another creative way to use this fruit. Cut a cantaloupe into wedges and brush it with oil or butter to grill a cantaloupe. 

Then, place the wedges on a preheated grill and cook them for a few minutes on each side until they are tender and slightly caramelized. 

The grill’s heat brings out the cantaloupe’s natural sweetness, while the slight char adds a smoky flavor. 

Grilled cantaloupe can be served as a side dish or a topping for salads or tacos. It’s a fun and unexpected way to use an unripe cantaloupe and elevate your grilling game.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Unripe cantaloupe doesn’t have to go to waste. With creativity and simple techniques, you can make the most of an unripe cantaloupe and create delicious dishes. 

From ripening the cantaloupe with an apple or banana to making a refreshing smoothie or a flavorful salsa, there are many ways to use an unripe cantaloupe. Incorporating unripe cantaloupe into your meals can reduce food waste and allow you to explore new flavors and textures. 

So the next time you find yourself with an unripe cantaloupe, try some of these ideas and discover new ways to enjoy this versatile fruit.

References:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279176
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-honey/art-20363819