A good quality cantaloupe should be well shaped with good netting or webbing over creamy-colored rind. Tip end should be smooth and slightly depressed. A ripe cantaloupe will have a distinctive aroma and the blossom end should yield to gentle pressure. Avoid shriveled or bruised fruit or cantaloupe with punctured or cracked rinds.
Storing and Handling
Temperature/humidity recommendations for short-term
storage of seven days or less:
32-36 degrees F/0-2 degrees C
90-98% relative humidity
Copyright & Disclaimer
PMA Fresh Produce Manual
Handling Tips
Handle ripe cantaloupe with care to avoid bruising or damage.
Troubleshooting
Pitting; rind decay:
These are indications of chill injury. To prevent chill injury, do not store cantaloupe below 30 degrees F/-1 degree C.
Bruising:
Bruising may result from rough handling. To prevent bruising, keep handling to a minimum; do not drop containers on floor.
Deterioration of flesh:
Flesh may begin to deteriorate if ripe cantaloupe is exposed to extreme fluctuations in temperature. To prevent deterioration, keep storage temperature constant.
Variety/Type Descriptions
Several varieties are available for commercial production. General characteristics include a thick, creamy rind with yellow netting. Peach-colored flesh is aromatic and juicy with a sweet flavor
Common Packaging
40-lb. cartons
11/9-bushel cartons/crates, and baskets
Grades
U.S. No. 1
U.S. Commercial
U.S. No. 2
Storing Tips
If cantaloupes are going to be used in 1 or 2 days, they may be held at room temperature (68-72 degrees F/20-21 degrees C). Otherwise, they should be properly refrigerated.
Shippers
A-W PRODUCE CO.
P.O. Box 595, Weslaco, TX 78599
2300 Votech, Weslaco, TX 78596
PHONE # - 956-447-5551
FAX # - 956-447-5643
CONTACT - Danny Arnold, President & Gen. Mgr.
WEBSITE - www.awproduce.com
E-MAIL - chad@awproduce.com
CARGIL PRODUCE CO.
P.O. Box 1146, Uvalde, TX 78802
6 Miles South Hwy. 117, Uvalde, TX 78802
PHONE # - 830-278-5616
FAX # - 830-278-4935
CONTACT - Steve A. Cargil, Gen. Mgr.
E-MAIL - stevec@cargilfarmsproduce.com
DIXONDALE FARMS, INC.
P.O. Box 127, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834
2007 N. 1st, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834
PHONE # - 830-876-2430 or 877-367-1015
FAX # - 830-876-9640
CONTACT - Bruce Frasier, President
WEB SITE - www.dixondalefarm.com
E-MAIL - theonionman@dixondalefarm.com
FONTERA PRODUCE, LTD.
P.O. Box 2019, Edinburg, TX 78540-2019
1321 Frontera Rd., Edinburg, TX 78540-2019
PHONE # - 956-381-5701
FAX # - 956-381-5706
CONTACT - Will Steele, Vice President
WEB SITE - fronteraproduce.com
E-MAIL - will@fronteraproduce.com
I. KUNIK CO., INC.
2000 Industrial Drive, McAllen, TX 78504
PHONE # - 956-686-4324
FAX # - 956-686-2855
CONTACT - Leonard Kroman, Owner
WEB SITE - www.ikunik.com
E-MAIL - buyKunik@ikunik.com
J & D PRODUCE, INC.
P.O. Box 1548, Edinburg, TX 78540
7310 N. Expressway 281, Edinburg, TX 78541
PHONE # - 956-380-0353
FAX # - 956-380-0325
CONTACT - James V. Bassetti, President & Sales
WEB SITE - www.littlebearproduce.com
E-MAIL - lrchandler@littlebearproduce.com
RIO FRESH, INC.
P.O. Box 1619, San Juan, TX 78589
6 Mi. S. Stewart Road, San Juan, TX 78589
PHONE # - 956-787-0023
FAX # - 956-787-0503
CONTACT - Bill Morley, President & Gen. Mgr.
WEB SITE - www.riofresh.com
E-MAIL - larry@riofresh.com
WINTER GARDEN PRODUCE
P. O. Box 1418, Uvalde, TX 78802
PHONE # - 830-278-3323
FAX # - 830-278-7241
CONTACT - Eddy Carnes, President & Gen. Mgr.
WEB SITE - www.wintergardenproduce.com
E-MAIL - jcarnes@wintergardenproduce.com
