What’s So Great About Cantaloupe

It’s fruit season! As much I love a banana and can totally get on-board with frozen fruit, the winter “bounty” wore a little thin this year and I for one am excited to go to the local farmer’s markets and wander the stalls ogling all the fresh produce (drooling: optional but likely). So really, we probably don’t have to nudge you to add more fruit to your diet right now but in this age of acai berries (which, if I’m reading the internet correctly, will actually save your life!) and other fancy-pants fruits, I want to give a little shout out to an old faithful: the lowly cantaloupe. Granted, she’s not the prettiest girl at the party (beige and bumpy). And let’s face it, the name’s a little clunky, but cantaloupe is good for you, versatile and, that highest of accolades; there’s a fighting chance your kids will eat it.

 
According to World’s Healthiest Foods (www.whfoods.com), “cantaloupe has about 30 times more beta-carotene than fresh oranges.” Cantaloupe is also low in calories, high in Vitamin A (good for protecting against oral and lung cancer), and a serving provides about two thirds the amount of potassium as a banana does; great for replenishing electrolytes on hot summer days and helpful in reducing stress and anxiety (but who has any of that??). Plus, like all fruit, it’s a good source of Vitamin C and fibre, which will pretty much fix whatever ails you.

Did I mention cantaloupe is versatile? Well, if you know me (and you don’t) then you know that means I’ve figured out a way to add alcohol to it. Ok, first for the kids try Cantaloupe Aqua Fresca. And for the adult version, add a little gin, vodka or sweet white wine, a la Sangria.

Ok, so cantaloupe may never return to the glory of the 1970’s when everyone’s Mom subsisted on half a cantaloupe stuffed with low fat cottage cheese, but give it another chance. And for some old timey Yuks at the breakfast table, feel free to borrow my Dad’s go-to joke literally.every.time cantaloupe made an appearance. “I cantaloupe, I’m already married to your Mother…try the fish, tip your waitress.”