Cantaloupe is one of the most healthy and refreshing fruits out there, especially if you like summer fruits. It’s loaded with water and has an array of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help boost the immune system and overall health. It has a sweet, tender, and juicy flavor, which is extremely distinct. However, you should only purchase ripe cantaloupe as unripe cantaloupes can be bitter and sour. On the contrary, if you are preparing some recipe that calls for ripe cantaloupe and you cannot find it, we have some substitutes that you can try out!
Substitute For Cantaloupes
- Guava
Guava is a tropical fruit and has a sweet and tarty flavor with citrusy hints. The guavas can be purchased from the local grocery stores and supermarkets all around the year, but they are more delicious during the summer months. You can blend the ripe guavas and serve them with heavy whipping cream as well as sugar to make ice cream. In addition, it’s a great choice for healthy snacking, and you can add its slices into sandwiches and salads. The best thing about guava is that they are summery and light.
- Cactus Fruit
The cactus fruits look like watermelons, but they tend to grow in the upright form. These fruits are grown in the wild, particularly in Central America and Mexico. It has a crunchy and firm texture, which is similar to cantaloupe. The most surprising fact is that the skin is edible, and the seeds taste amazing. However, if you have to add them to cooking recipes, you need to remove the spines. As far as applications are concerned, you can add them to stir-fry veggies and salads. On the other hand, it can be cut and served raw as well.
- Red Dragon Fruit
Red dragon fruit is another popular substitute for cantaloupe and has a similar appearance. It has a bright red color, which is why it stands out. It’s native to Southeast Asia as it grows naturally on the riversides. It is plucked in the unripe form and is ripened when it’s off the vine. So, if you see them at the grocery store, you need to wash them and cut out the stem end. Then, slice it open and take out the insides. The flesh has a soft and jelly-like appearance. It can be served in plain form, or you can mix it with yogurt.
- Pear
There are no seeds in pears, which is why they aren’t considered fruits. Instead, these are known as berry plants and have a round appearance. The pears have high fiber content and won’t add calories. The pears are extremely easy to prepare as you only have to peel the exterior layer and chop it up. The peeled pear chunks can be added to soups as well as fresh salads.
- Strawberries
The strawberries belong to the rose plant family and can be used in place of cantaloupes. The fresh and ripe strawberries can be used to replace cantaloupe in smoothies, salads, cocktails, and desserts. Keep in mind that they cannot be added to recipes that involve cooking. However, before you add them to the recipes, it’s recommended that you wash them properly.
- Pineapple
Pineapple is also a tropical fruit and is native to South America but can be easily found in other parts of the world as well. There are green and red pineapples available, and both of them can be used as substitutes for cantaloupes. The pineapples are loaded with fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and multiple minerals. The pineapples can be mixed with yogurt, or you can eat them alone as well. You can add pineapple to the salads, and you can add them as a topping on the pizza.
- Ambrosia Melon
This melon has a sweet and floral flavor and can be used in raw form in fruit recipes. It can be used in salads and is easily available in North America and European countries. It has a tender, juicy, and firm texture, and you can dice or slice them. In addition, you can mash them to make a puree.
- Canary Melon
These are round melons and are known for their crispy and juicy texture. In addition, the melons have bright yellow skin, which looks extremely summery. The canary melons are sweet and refreshing and taste the best in raw form.