I love cantaloupe, but it’s not always in season. Can you freeze cantaloupe so it can be enjoyed year-round?
Can You Freeze Cantaloupe?
Yes, freezing cantaloupe is an excellent way to keep your melon fresh and accessible whenever you have a craving.
Cantaloupes, like most melons, are mostly water: 95 percent. The cantaloupe chunks are denser than a watermelon’s, so it tends to be chewier and more substantive after being frozen. There will be a slight change in texture, but the flavor of frozen cantaloupe is still lovely. It tastes best when eaten while still frosty.
How to Freeze Cantaloupe
Everyone loves fresh produce, but the downside is that it often goes bad fast. You can’t always get what you want either, since fruits and vegetables are seasonal. But there’s one guaranteed way to have your cantaloupe any time of year: freezing it.
The most vital step in learning how to freeze cantaloupe is to check that it’s ripe; if it is, the melon will retain its sweetness. To wash the exterior of the fruit and eliminate any bacteria, start by rinsing it under water. Then add a drop of mild soap before taking a sponge or brush to scrub.
Now, take the cantaloupe and cut it in half. Once you’ve done that, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from both halves of the fruit. After all the seeds are gone, chop the cantaloupe into cubes or slices (whichever you prefer). Just make sure that they’re all around the same size so they’ll freeze and defrost evenly.
The first step is to cut the rind off the cantaloupe. You can do this before or after cutting it into pieces, whichever you prefer. The second step is optional, but some people like to add sugar to the cantaloupe at this stage. Others prefer not to add any sweetener and let the melon’s natural sweetness shine through. Either way, just make sure your cantaloupe is perfectly ripe before freezing it!
Place the cantaloupe cubes or slices on a parchment-lined cookie sheet or baking tray in one layer so they aren’t touching each other. If they overlap, they won’t all freeze evenly, or they could get stuck together. This process usually takes about one to two hours, depending on your freezer.
Gather all the separate pieces of cantaloupe and store them in airtight freezer bags or containers. To preserve them for a longer period of time, put thecontainer in the freezer. Cantaloupe can last up to 10-12 months in there, so be sure write the date on the label when you freeze it.
How to Freeze Cantaloupe in a Puree
To cut the cantaloupe, follow the same steps you would if you were freezing cubes or slices. Next, add the pieces to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. To make things easier, boil the cantaloupe beforehand to soften it up. If you don’t have either a food processor or blender, simply mash the puree by hand.
Store the pureed cantaloupe in an ice-cube tray in your freezer. Once they are frozen, you can put the cubed cantaloupe into an airtight bag or container for long-term storage.
If you choose to, you can always freeze the puree in larger portions than ice cubes. You can pour the mix directly into a freezer container or large ziplock bag, but remember to squeeze out all of the air from the bag before closing it to help prevent freezer burn. You’ll also want to ensure that it is laid out evenly on a flat surface so that it doesn’t get squished into any weird shapes as it freezes.
How to Defrost Your Frozen Cantaloupe
Now that you know how to freeze cantaloupes, you can enjoy it year-round! Eat the frozen pieces as a refreshing snack during hot summer months, or thaw them and use in recipes like you would with fresh cantaloupe.
If you want to thaw a frozen cantaloupe, put it in the fridge and let it slowly defrost. Or, set it out on the countertop to speed up the process.
There are many things you can do with your thawed cantaloupe cubes, such as putting them on a charcuterie board or adding them to a fruit salad. If you’re planning to use the puree in drinks, just plop the cubes right in!
Can You Freeze Cantaloupe? – Bottom Line
In short, yes! Cantaloupe must be frozen fresh to lock in its flavor and texture for a delicious treat all year round. Plus, it’s easy to do and can save time during meal prep. So go ahead and stock up on ripe cantaloupe during peak season to freeze for future enjoyment. Happy freezing!