Source: Magness et al. 1971
Cantaloupes are the most widely grown type of muskmelon, which see. They are produced on long-running annual plants, or non-climbing "vines" that are prostrate on the soil. On healthy plants there is a canopy of large, soft-hairy leaves, generally heart shaped and somewhat lobed. Fruits may be orange fleshed or green fleshed. Fruit surface is generally netted and roughened, some somewhat sutured. Fruit shape is generally round to oval and size in different kinds ranges from 5 to 8 or more inches long, and near same diameter.
Production in U.S.: 700,000 tons.
Use: Fresh dessert, salads.
Part of plant consumed: Internal pulp only.