Can I Rippen Cantaloupe in the House?

[deenamr]

I have 23 cantaloupes that are just shy of being ripe. Freezing nights have arrived. Can I pick the cantaloupe and let them rippen in the house?

Thanks - Deena

 

[Greenthumb18]

Cantaloupes wont ripen once they are picked i'm afraid. Its sad to see all those melons you have that only needed another week or two of warmth for eating. Sorry for that

 

[Greensage45]

Hi,

Are you sure? I have found that it is Watermelon that does not ripen any further once picked.

As for Cantaloupe, I usually pick them once they barely begin to show signs of ripening, then I let them sit on the counter until I can smell them across the room. Then I slice into them, and I find the ripeness has reached well into the skins.

I think we need a second opinion, any takers?

Ron

 

[Lavender2]

Melon growers do pick them before they are fully ripe, before the curly tendrils have totally browned.... to avoid damage in shipping and short shelf life. They just won't take up any more sugars and may not be as sweet tasting.

If the color has changed and the skin is dull looking I would pick them rather than waste a crop.

Short growing season is why I gave up on growing most melons, darn frost!

Great info ... http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1262.html

 

[lesa]

I have read time and time again that they won't ripen. Luckily, I always ripened mine on the counter, long before I read that advice!!! Absolutely, try it. There is no way the melons you buy at the store are picked ripe- I use Ron's method, when they smell great, cut and enjoy!!

 

[patandchickens]

It has been a number of years since I grew cantaloupe but my experience back then was that if they are getting well towards ripe you can finish them in the house, but they will never be anything like as good as vine-ripened.

Perhaps you could pick half, and cover the rest to try to buy enough time for them to finish naturally?

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[wifezilla]

Good idea pat. Got a tarp Deenamr?

 

[oberhaslikid]

I put mine in a dark cabinet for a few days.when I purchse from the store.DONT forget it.

 

[deenamr]

I have been tarping them at night and it has worked so far. At this point I have harvested about 1/2 of them. We are due for lows in the low 20's in the next few days and my experience has been that when it gets that cold the tarp doesn't offer enough protection. I also use some large insulated curtains - those work really well. The canatloupes have been delicous so far. My weekend project is to harvest the rest of the tomatos, eggplants, peppers, cantaloupes and probably even the winter squash and pumpkins before the 20 degree night arrives.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Deena

 

[journey11]

It might depend on the variety too. I know the store bought ones are picked under-ripe. But with the Athenas I grew this year, I found they were nasty unless I let them ripen fully on the vine, all shades of green had to be gone from the rind (then they were mouthwatering). I got anxious to taste one and picked a big one early and it sat for weeks and never improved. When I cut it open, the green rind was 1/2" thick and the flesh was not sweet at all. So I fed it to the chickens! But if your weather has turned on you, then your only hope is to try. Good luck! (Did you start yours indoors early spring? I had to.)