In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “how to know if a cantaloupe is spoiled?”
How to know if a cantaloupe is spoiled?
To know if a cantaloupe is spoiled, you need to look for the following signs of spoilage in cantaloupe:
- Bruises on cantaloupe
- Discoloration
- Softer rind
- Moldy
- Light-weighted
- Feels hollow
- Softer than normal
- Leaking juices
- Sour taste
- Foul smell
- Mushy appearance
Cantaloupes are very perishable and need proper handling and storage. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, but they should never be left at room temperature or in direct sunlight. If you see mold or any discoloration on your cantaloupe, it’s best not to eat it.
Here is what can cantaloupe look like when spoiled:
Bruises on cantaloupe
It’s a good idea to look for bruising on cantaloupe because it can be one of the signs of spoilage. Bruising is caused by internal damage to the fruit from moisture loss or ethylene gas exposure. The fruit will be bruised if there are holes in the skin, if it has been left out in the sun for too long, or if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
Discoloration
In addition to a cantaloupe’s appearance, the color of its flesh can also be an indicator of spoilage. When a cantaloupe has gone bad, the flesh will likely have changed from green to brown or yellow-brown. This is one of the most common signs that a cantaloupe is spoiled, but other signs include the presence of mold.
Softer rind
One of the signs of spoilage to help you know if a cantaloupe is spoiled is that it will have a softer rind. This can happen if the cantaloupe has been stored at too high a temperature, or if it has been exposed to air that is too humid.
Moldy
Moldy cantaloupes are one of the signs of spoilage that you can look for to keep from wasting your money on an edible cantaloupe. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to avoid eating it:
- The color of the fruit starts to change from green to yellow or brown.
- There are fuzzy patches on the surface of the cantaloupe that have turned black or grayish-brown in color.
- There is a sticky residue on the surface of the cantaloupe that has turned dark brown or black in color.
Light-weighted
The lightest cantaloupe will be the first to go bad. If you’re going to store your cantaloupe, keep it in a cool place, a refrigerator is fine. If you notice that your cantaloupe has started to smell like old cheese, or if the rind has started to wrinkle and discolor, then this is an indicator that your cantaloupe is starting to spoil.
Other signs that a cantaloupe may be spoiling include:
Spongy texture: This can mean that the melon has gone bad and should be thrown away.
Lumpy or bumpy surface: This is another sign that the melon is spoiled and should be thrown away.
Dark spots or bruises: These are caused by bruising or damage during transportation or handling, so they mean that your melon was mishandled before your purchase.
Feels hollow
One of the signs of spoilage to help you know if a cantaloupe is spoiled is that it feels hollow. If your cantaloupe has a hollow center, this can be an indication that it has been exposed to too much moisture or humidity. If you notice a hollow spot in your cantaloupe, cut it open and check its inside.
Softer than normal
If you notice that a cantaloupe is softer than normal, it can be a sign that your cantaloupe has gone bad. This happens when the rind has been exposed to moisture for too long, which causes it to soften and become softer than normal. You should then discard it and make sure not to eat any other that have been exposed to moisture for an extended period of time.
Leaking juices
If a cantaloupe is leaking juices, it is likely that the fruit has gone bad and will not be worth eating. This is especially true if the cantaloupe has been exposed to high temperatures or humidity.
Sour taste
The sour taste of spoiled cantaloupes is an important sign to look for. If you suspect your cantaloupe has gone bad, try to look for this sour taste by cutting into the melon and sniffing it. A sour smell can also indicate spoilage, but this is not always the case.
Foul smell
One of the signs of spoilage to help you know if a cantaloupe is spoiled? The foul smell is one of the most common signs of spoilage. This is because when the cantaloupe begins to rot, it releases ethylene gas that smells like ripe fruit. The ethylene gas also attracts flies, which then spread the odor further.
Mushy appearance
There are a number of signs that can indicate when a cantaloupe is likely to be spoiled. One of the most common signs is a mushy appearance. If a cantaloupe becomes soft, it may be spoiled.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the question, “how to know if a cantaloupe is spoiled?”