Cantaloupe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿˆ
Add to dictionary

cantaloupe

[หˆkรฆntษ™หŒloสŠp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

fruit

A cantaloupe is a type of melon with a sweet orange flesh and a rough skin.

Synonyms

melon, muskmelon, sweet melon.

Examples of usage

  • It's refreshing to eat a slice of cantaloupe on a hot summer day.
  • She bought a cantaloupe from the market to make a fruit salad.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nutrition

  • Cantaloupe is loaded with vitamins A and C, which help keep your skin healthy and immune system strong.
  • This fruit is also high in water content, making it a refreshing snack for hydration.
  • One serving of cantaloupe contains less than 50 calories, making it a guilt-free treat!

Culinary Uses

  • Cantaloupe can be eaten raw, often in fruit salads or as a cool snack during hot weather.
  • This fruit pairs well with prosciutto, creating a popular dish in many Italian cuisines.
  • Cantaloupe can also be blended into smoothies or used in sorbets for a delicious dessert.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, cantaloupe is symbolic of summer and is often enjoyed at picnics and barbecues.
  • In certain Asian cultures, it is common to serve cantaloupe at celebrations and banquets, reflecting its status as a luxury fruit.
  • Cantaloupe is often featured in art and advertisements due to its vibrant color and appealing texture.

Fun Facts

  • Despite its sweet taste, cantaloupe is a member of the gourd family, which includes pumpkins and cucumbers.
  • There are two main varieties: the North American cantaloupe with a netted skin and the European cantaloupe, which has smooth skin.
  • Harvesting cantaloupe requires skill; farmers must pick them at just the right moment for optimal sweetness.

Origin of 'cantaloupe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cantaloupe' comes from the Italian town of Cantalupo, where this fruit was first cultivated in Europe.
  • Originally, what we now call cantaloupe comes from the ancient Romans who enjoyed a similar fruit in the Mediterranean.
  • The modern cantaloupe was developed in the 19th century by farmers in the United States, specifically in California.

The word cantaloupe originates from the Italian town of Cantalupo, where these melons were originally cultivated in the 18th century. The term 'cantaloupe' was first used in English in the mid-18th century to refer to these sweet melons.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,266 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.