Are muskmelon and cantaloupe the same? Muskmelon is not the same as cantaloupe but on the other hand, both refer to two varieties of muskmelon. Muskmelon has ribbed skin and a sweet musk-like taste while cantaloupe has light green skin and a more subtle sweet flavor.
Muskmelon is just as popular as cantaloupe however people tend to be quite confused on which is which. Muskmelon has a unique taste and is associated with lots of health benefits which is often why it is confused with cantaloupe. However, cantaloupe is also a healthy fruit with lots of minerals.
Most find it hard to distinguish between muskmelon and cantaloupe and this can be attributed to their sweet taste, and there are subtle differences between these two fruits. Both melons are the most common types of melon and are both considered healthy as well.
Cantaloupe and muskmelon are both popular in salads and are often interchangeable in many dishes as well, but these two are not the same. So, read on to understand the difference between these two fruits and stop getting confused.
What Is A Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is a really popular fruit but to differentiate it from muskmelon, you need to first know what it is. Most do eat muskmelon and believe it to be cantaloupe, but a real cantaloupe is a European cantaloupe and this is not grown commercially in the United States which is why there are so many debates on which is which.
Cantaloupe is a sweet summer fruit, and it can be harvested all year round. This fruit is a variety of melon with a hard rind texture, and it supplies many health benefits. The skin of the North American cantaloupe has a net-like skin though with ribbed crust and sweet orange flesh.
All cultivated form of cantaloupe belongs to the Cucurbitaceae and are regarded as a variety of muskmelon. Cantaloupe is a refreshing fruit with lots of benefits and just like most fruits, it has high water content.
What Is A Muskmelon?
Muskmelon is another common fruit with lots of benefits. This fruit is well known for its palatable sweet taste, and it is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family just like cantaloupe. Muskmelon is also called nutmeg melon, and it comes in different varieties which include, the net-like pattern, the orderly, and the moderate ribbing.
Aside from the excellent taste muskmelon has, it also has lots of essential nutrients which is why it’s one of the most highly consumed fruits. Muskmelon is a round oblong melon that can be found in many supermarkets, and it helps strengthen the immune system and 1 cup contains compounds that fight cellular damages.
What Is The Difference Between A Cantaloupe vs Muskmelon?
Cantaloupe is just as nutritious and muskmelon and both as similar in taste. A professor at the University of Illinois states that technically, ”all cantaloupes are muskmelons, but not all muskmelons are cantaloupes”.
Muskmelon is regarded to be the term used for all kinds of sweet melons such as canary melons, honeydew, and cantaloupes. With careful evaluation, there is no actual difference between muskmelon and cantaloupe, they are technically the same fruit but below are slight differences to note if you are trying to choose which to go for.
| Cantaloupe | Muskmelon |
|---|---|
| Cantaloupe has a net-like and light green skin with salmon-hued flesh. | Muskmelon has tan ribbed skin with a sweet musky aroma and flavor. |
| Cantaloupe belongs to the cantalupensis group. | Muskmelon belongs to the reticulatus group. |
| Mild sweet and pleasing flavor. | Some varieties like honeydew have a lesser sweet flavor. |
| Cantaloupe has a soft flesh. | Muskmelon is firmer than cantaloupe. |
| Has high sugar content that lingers for a long time. | This has a high water content that makes you full after eating. |
Cantaloupe and muskmelon are not different and at the same time, they are the same.
Both fruits are from the same family and offer similar tastes and health benefits. The appearance is the only way you can say muskmelon and cantaloupe is different. It doesn’t matter if you go for the bright cantaloupe or ribbed skin muskmelon, both have the same taste and nutritional benefits.
Why is cantaloupe sometimes called muskmelon?
Besides the subtle difference between cantaloupe and muskmelon, both are the same fruit. The name muskmelon comes from the sweet fragrance of the fruit and cantaloupe happens to have the same fragrance, which is why they are both referred to as muskmelon. Although cantaloupe is harder to grow, there is no real difference between these two.
Nutritional Value
Muskmelon and cantaloupe are both healthy fruit options to go for but the study shows that they don’t have similar nutritional value. Experts note that muskmelon is slightly more nutritious but their nutrient value differs in varieties. Although their nutritional composition is similar but below is a breakdown of both if you can’t decide which to snack on.
| Cantaloupe Nutritional Value | Muskmelon Nutritional Value |
|---|---|
| Calories: 53. | Calories 60.2. |
| Protein: 1 gram. | Protein: 1 gram. |
| Fiber: 2 grams. | Fiber: 1.6 gram. |
| Carbs: 13 grams. | Carbs: 15 grams. |
| Vitamin A: 29% of the RDI. | Vitamin A: 2% of the RDI. |
| Calcium: 15.9 grams. | Calcium: 15.9 grams. |
Final Thoughts
Muskmelon and cantaloupe can both be enjoyed in similar ways. It doesn’t matter which you choose when you go fruit shopping since both fruits contain a similar amount of calories and contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
Most people won’t even notice the difference between these two fruits hence they can be regarded as the same. However, you can’t go wrong with either one of these fruits.
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