Skip to main content

Muskmelon: What Is It and How Is It Different from Cantaloupe

on
Muskmelon is a sweet, flavorful fruit that’s known for its vibrant flesh and culinary versatility.
In addition to its unique flavor, muskmelon provides a wealth of important nutrients and has been associated with many health benefits.
However, it’s often confused with other melons like cantaloupe.
This article looks at the nutritional value, health benefits, and culinary uses of muskmelon, including how it differs from cantaloupe.

Muskmelon, also known as Cucumis melo, is a species of melon that belongs to the gourd family. It’s closely related to other plants like squash, pumpkin, zucchini, and watermelon (1Trusted Source).
Muskmelon has a ribbed, tan skin and a sweet, musky flavor and aroma.
Over the years, many unique varieties of muskmelon have emerged, including cantaloupe.
The term “cantaloupe” refers to two varieties of muskmelon: the North American cantaloupe (C. melo var. reticulatus) and the European cantaloupe (C. melo var. cantalupensis).
Given that both types of cantaloupe are a variety of muskmelon, their nutritional contents and health benefits are similar.
However, the skin of the North American cantaloupe has a net-like appearance and a subtler, less distinct flavor. Meanwhile, the European cantaloupe has light green skin and sweeter flesh.
While all cantaloupes are muskmelons, not all muskmelons are cantaloupes.
In addition to cantaloupe, other varieties of muskmelon include honeydew, Persian melon, and Santa Claus melon.
Summary Muskmelon is a species that belongs to the gourd family. Cantaloupe refers to two varieties of muskmelon, which differ slightly in terms of flavor and appearance but share a similar set of nutrients and health benefits.

Muskmelons are nutrient-dense and provide a wide assortment of important vitamins and minerals.
They are especially high in vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that helps prevent disease and strengthens immune function (2Trusted Source).
Some types also contain a good amount of vitamin A, a micronutrient that’s essential for healthy vision, skin cell turnover, and growth and development (3Trusted Source).
Additionally, muskmelons contain antioxidants, which are compounds that fight cellular damage. Antioxidants in muskmelons include gallic acid, ellagic acid, and caffeic acid (4Trusted Source).
One cup (156 grams) of diced cantaloupe, a type of muskmelon, contains the following nutrients (5Trusted Source):
  • Calories: 53
  • Carbs: 13 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Protein: 1 gram
  • Vitamin C: 64% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
  • Vitamin A: 29% of the RDI
  • Potassium: 9% of the RDI
  • Folate: 8% of the RDI
  • Niacin: 7% of the RDI
  • Vitamin B6: 7% of the RDI
  • Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
  • Thiamine: 5% of the RDI
  • Vitamin K: 3% of the RDI
To compare, 1 cup (170 grams) of honeydew, another type of muskmelon, contains the following nutrients (5Trusted Source):
  • Calories: 61
  • Carbs: 15 grams
  • Fiber: 1.5 grams
  • Protein: 1 gram
  • Vitamin C: 34% of the RDI
  • Vitamin A: 2% of the RDI
  • Potassium: 8% of the RDI
  • Folate: 8% of the RDI
  • Niacin: 4% of the RDI
  • Vitamin B6: 9% of the RDI
  • Magnesium: 4% of the RDI
  • Thiamine: 5% of the RDI
  • Vitamin K: 4% of the RDI
Noticeably, the nutritional compositions of muskmelon varieties are similar. However, cantaloupe contains significantly more vitamin A and vitamin C than honeydew. It also has fewer calories and carbs and is slightly higher in fiber.

Comments

Post a Comment