How to Cut a Cantaloupe Melon (Step by Step)

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Learning how to cut a cantaloupe can be very easy! Dive into your favorite juicy melon with just a few easy steps–you will have melon peeled and halved in no time for serving.

slicing the skin off the cantaloupe with a knife

How to pick and cut a cantaloupe are essential skills to have if you enjoy the sweet fresh melon. With a cutting board and sharp knife, you can cut your cantaloupe into different designs and shapes like cubes, flowers, slices, etc.

Cutting a melon can seem too difficult, but with enough patience and focus, the task is pretty simple! Eat your cantaloupe straight from the fruit with a spoon–it’s that delicious.

Do you wash cantaloupe before cutting?
Should you refrigerate uncut cantaloupe?
How to Cut Cantaloupe Into Halves
Notes and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
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How to Cut a Cantaloupe Melon Recipe

Do you wash cantaloupe before cutting?

We recommend washing all fruit before consuming it just to be on the safe side. You are cutting the skin off the cantaloupe, but it is still worth cleaning the fruit before serving.

Should you refrigerate uncut cantaloupe?

You do not have to refrigerate uncut cantaloupe, but you should refrigerate it after you have peeled and cut the fruit. Leaving uncut fruit on the counter can quicken the ripening process. Place the cut cantaloupe in a sealed container before storing them. Do not leave them uncovered.

How to Cut Cantaloupe Into Halves

First, grab the sharp knife and wooden cutting board so you will have those tools handy and right beside you before getting started.

Next, place the cantaloupe on the cutting board on its side. Carefully, slice the cantaloupe’s top and bottom off–about half an inch.

cutting the end off a cantaloupe with a knife

Stand the cantaloupe up on its bottom, then carefully slice the rind off while making sure to cut along the edge of the skin while avoiding cutting the fruit. Be sure to cut from top to bottom.

With the knife, cut the cantaloupe straight down the middle. Then, pull the cantaloupe apart with your hands.

cutting the peel off a cantaloupe with knife

Next, with a spoon, scoop out the seeds of the cantaloupe from both halves.

scooping the seeds out of the cantaloupe with a spoon

Enjoy the cantaloupe halves in your favorite fruit salads or by themselves!

Notes and Tips

Be sure to select a ripe cantaloupe from the store. Ripe cantaloupe will be fragrant.
Store any leftover cantaloupe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Dip the cantaloupe in your fruit dips.
You can cut any kind of melon this way.
Serve the cantaloupe as cubes, spheres, or slices.

top view of a cantaloupe on wooden plate

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cut up a whole cantaloupe?

Peel and halve the cantaloupe with a sharp knife and cutting board. You can cube the cantaloupe or slice it into crescent slices.

How do you know if a cantaloupe is ripe?

Ripe cantaloupe will be tan in color with green lines going across the surface. Avoid any cantaloupe that is too soft with brown spots or bruises.

Will a cantaloupe ripen on the counter?

Yes, storing a cantaloupe on the kitchen counter will ripen it and allow the fruit to become softer. If you are in a rush, place it in a paper bag to speed up the ripening process.