Author Topic: Preserving Cantaloupes from Your Garden  (Read 17319 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Mimi

  • Regular Member
  • Posts: 27796
  • www.remnant-online.org
    • The Remnant Online
Preserving Cantaloupes from Your Garden
« on: August 07, 2011, 12:32:53 PM »
University of California, Davis, has this to say on the preservation of melons, cantaloupes, specifically:

METHODS FOR PRESERVING CANTALOUPE
Prepare melons by washing and cutting as described above.

Freezing Cantaloupe
Select fully ripe but firm cantaloupe. Cut the melon into slices, balls, or cubes. After
freezing, melons are best used while still frosty.

Unsweetened Melon
Freeze layers of melon between wax paper. Package in plastic bags or containers once
frozen. Melon should be used within 1 month. These are best if served slightly frozen.

Drying Cantaloupe—Not Recommended
Cantaloupe and other melons are not well suited for drying or for making into fruit
leather. This method of preservation is not recommended.

Canning Cantaloupe—Not Recommended
Cantaloupe and other melons should not be canned. Cantaloupe and other melons
are nonacidic (have a high pH), with pH values ranging from 6.1 to 6.6. Nonacidic
canned fruits support the growth of the bacterium that causes botulism when given
the right conditions, which include moisture, room temperatures, lack of oxygen, and
low-acid conditions. The high pH means that the product would need to be canned
using a pressure canner rather than a water bath canner to ensure product safety. Safe
processing times have not been determined because the high temperatures that would
be needed leave the melon mushy and inedible.

Cantaloupe preserves or pickle recipes from reliable sources can be safely
processed using a water bath canner because the addition of acids or acidic ingredients
safely lowers the pH.


With a desire to can cantaloupes, the problem is apparent after this warning. The risks with the growth of bacterium that causes botulism are too high. The second thing is:

Quote
The high pH means that the product would need to be canned
using a pressure canner rather than a water bath canner to ensure product safety. Safe
processing times have not been determined because the high temperatures that would
be needed leave the melon mushy and inedible.

For the time being, cantaloupe and other watery melons will have to be enjoyed "in season" rather than in a glass jar stored in our cool cellars. I was sure a way to preserve them (other than freezing) could be found. Is this answer the last word on canning cantaloupes? IOW, I am open to suggestions because my desire to preserve without freezing is very strong. Anyone with experience or suggestions? 
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Vicki

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3374
Re: Preserving Cantaloupes from Your Garden
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2011, 12:48:25 PM »
We had an abundance of cantaloupes a few years ago. I froze them after reviewing the options that you have found. They were ripe but not firm so they were mush when thawed. So disappointing. We were pinched on cash so we made smoothies out of them. Better than nothing, but not something I would choose do again.

Canning. They would be mush after canning because of the boiling time which would be even longer than normal at your high altitude. You'd probably also have to add lots of sugar to keep the sweetness of the melon from saturating out into the water.

As you say, melons should be eaten in season.


Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44592
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: Preserving Cantaloupes from Your Garden
« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2011, 02:21:53 PM »
You can dry them.  Check the safety precautions.  I am not aware of any, but I never looked. 
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

JimB

  • Servant
  • Assistant Administrator
  • Posts: 7446
  • Pro 12:28 in the pathway thereof there is no death
Re: Preserving Cantaloupes from Your Garden
« Reply #3 on: August 22, 2012, 04:17:23 PM »
Nutrients in
Cantaloupe
1.00 cup (160.00 grams)

Source

Nutrient      %Daily Value

vitamin A    108.2%

vitamin C    97.8%

potassium  12.2%

folate         8.4%

vitamin B    66%

vitamin B    35.8%

fiber            5.3%

vitamin K    5%

magnesium 4.8%

vitamin B    14.6%

Calories      (54)3%
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44592
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: Preserving Cantaloupes from Your Garden
« Reply #4 on: May 02, 2017, 08:12:15 AM »
There are many health benefits from eating cantaloupes.   "Carotenoids are powerful compounds present in cantaloupes. They help prevent and treat age-induced macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a top agent for permanent blindness. It leads to the deterioration of the macula, which is the primary centre of the retina of the eye. The macula is responsible for visual sharpness." Jen Reviews
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.