How To Cut A Honeydew
Honeydew likely originated either in the Middle East or western Africa, but today the melons are grown in sunny climates worldwide. China and Turkey are the leading growers of honeydew, followed by the United States in California and Arizona. Honeydew melons taste similar to cantaloupe yet are much sweeter. Additionally, they don’t have that musky aftertaste that other melons tend to have. They’re tender and delicious. Plus, this delicious fresh fruit is packed with health benefits.
Honeydew is high in vitamin C and potassium. In fact, just a one-cup serving of honeydew provides 12% of your recommended daily intake for potassium. A high intake of potassium has been linked to lowered blood pressure. It also includes several nutrients that are important to bone health, including folate, vitamin K, and magnesium.
How to Tell if a Honeydew Melon is Ripe
Before you cut into your honeydew to devour, check to make sure it’s ripe. When it comes to checking if a honeydew is ripe, pay attention to the color. A ripe honeydew will be a creamy yellow color. Skip the green honeydews. Those need more time to ripen. Another way to tell if the honeydew is ripe is to check the bottom of the fruit. Find the end where the melon was attached to the vine. Press it with your thumb. Ripe honeydew melons will feel springy with a little give. Underripe melons will feel rock hard, while overripe melons will feel like total mush.
How to Cut a Honeydew Melon
Luckily, cutting into a honeydew isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Here’s how to do it:
Your first step is to rinse any dirt or bacteria off of the melon before you cut it. Rinse it thoroughly in cool water.
Next, take a large cutting knife and slice the melon in half lengthwise. Be sure to cut through the blossom end (or the end where the melon was attached to the vine).
Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Hold the melon over a bowl to catch the seeds as you take a spoon and scrape the seeds and all of the membranes out of the center of the melon.
Once all of the seeds have been removed, you can cut the melon in half again lengthwise. Next, cut each section into wedges. Depending on the size of the melon, you can typically cut each section into two or three wedges. At the end of this step, you’ll have eight to ten wedges.
Finally, remove the rind from each of the melon wedges. Hold a wedge of honeydew in your hand. Look for the place where the melon rind starts. You’ll see where it begins to turn darker green right before the rind. Cut right along that line with a paring knife to remove the rind.
From here, it’s perfectly fine to just eat the melon as is. Alternatively, you can cut the melon into chunks to add to fruit salad or smoothies. Or take each wedge and slice it lengthwise in thin strips to create honeydew slices.
How to Store Honeydew After It is Cut
Once cut, honeydew won’t last very long. It’s important to only cut a honeydew if you plan to eat it within three to five days. Place the honeydew pieces in a sealed container or storage bag in the refrigerator. If you can’t finish the fruit within that time frame, toss it in the freezer. It will last six months or more. To keep the melon from sticking together, first place the chunks or slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a storage container or freezer bag.
Honeydew melon is simple and easy to cut. The next time you see one at the food store in a buttery yellow shade, pick it up and enjoy the sweet, candy-like flavor and numerous health benefits. You’re sure to enjoy this delicious fruit on its own, mixed in with other fruits on a fresh fruit tray, or in a variety of other ways!
FAQs
Q: How do you know if a honeydew melon is ripe?
A: A ripe honeydew should have a sweet odor even when it’s not cut, which will be especially obvious if you sniff the stem end of the melon. The opposite end should have a slightly springy feel to it. Check to make sure that the skin isn’t green at all—the melon should be white or slightly yellow. Shake the lemon next to your ear and listen for a slight rattle.
Q: Can honeydew ripen after you cut it?
A: No, honeydew does not ripen after it’s been cut. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store it properly if you have leftovers.
Q: How long can you store cut honeydew?
A: Cut honeydew can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 6 months.
Q: What are the health benefits of honeydew?
A: Honeydew is high in vitamin C, potassium, folate, vitamin K, and magnesium. It’s also 90% water, making it a hydrating and nutritious fruit choice.
Q: Can you freeze honeydew?
A: Yes, you can freeze honeydew. Cut it into chunks or slices, place them in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 6 months for later use in smoothies or as a frozen treat.