7 Things to do with a Ripe Juicy Cantaloupe ...

If you think fruit is good on its own, imagine the flavor explosion of eating several types at one time. One of the best things to do with a cantaloupe is to make fruit salad. It pairs really well with kiwi and strawberries. Drizzle your mixture with a dab of lime juice and honey to really jazz up the flavor. Your friends and family won’t be able to get enough of this! And neither will you.

I know that berries and bananas are what people generally think of when they make a smoothie, but cantaloupe is perfect too. It’s soft and juicy so it will blend up nicely and add a great new taste to the same old smoothie. Try cantaloupe combined with blueberries, Greek yogurt and honey for a morning meal that can’t be beat.

Maybe you’ve had watermelon or mango in a salsa, but cantaloupe works just as well. Many fruits pair really well with meats and cantaloupe is no exception. Try it on grilled white fish or simply scoop it up with cinnamon and sugar flavored tortilla chips. Try different things to find how you like it best.

Next time you have a party, add a cheese and meats tray to your appetizer spread. Everyone loves it, I promise! And, as a bonus, cantaloupe tastes wonderful with salty meats like prosciutto. You can wrap chunks of it with the meat, then hold it together with a toothpick. The sweetness of the cantaloupe with the saltiness of the prosciutto is a taste that will amaze you.

I love a good fruity cocktail, but it isn’t always easy to find a cantaloupe flavored one. Well, you can easily get around that by making your own at home. Whirl some cantaloupe into a margarita, daiquiri or mojito for something entirely different. The color is sure to give your drink some personality and is a great idea for parties or gatherings with your best friends.

Sorbet is super easy to make and cantaloupe is the perfect ingredient for it. Simply chill cantaloupe cubes, then blend them with sugar, water and a bit of lemon juice until very smooth. Freeze the mixture, then serve it in fancy dessert cups with a couple of mint leaves.

Yep, you read that right! For cantaloupe that is a bit past its prime or just isn’t as sweet as you like it, you can roast it to bring out the flavor. First, toss the melon with some sugar and a dab of vanilla. Then roast on a baking sheet until it's slightly browned on the edges. Toss it onto ice cream or yogurt for a tasty treat.

What’s your favorite way to eat cantaloupe? Do you have any tips for picking out the perfect melon?