Americans are sweet on melons. The average adult eats about 28 ½ pounds per year, according to USDA estimates. Watermelon is by far the bestseller, accounting for most of the melons grown and consumed in the U.S. But cantaloupe and honeydew clock in at second and third, respectively, and are also grocery cart staples for a fair share of us.
Melons are actually part of the gourd family, which means that they’re related to zucchini, pumpkin, and other types of squash. As for melons, they can be categorized into one of two species:
- Citrullus lanatus: All watermelons, such as pink, yellow, seedless, and sugar babies
- Cucumis melo: Muskmelons, cantaloupes, honeydews, Persian melons, Santa Claus melons
After looking at this list and reading our guide for how to choose the sweetest cantaloupe, honeydew, or muskmelon, you might be wondering, what is the difference between muskmelon and cantaloupe? Ahead, we’re digging up the truth so you can shop (or grow!) wisely—and be ready to share some fun trivia at your next picnic or potluck.
What Is the Difference Between Muskmelon and Cantaloupe?
Depending on where you live, these terms might be used interchangeably. No wonder it’s confusing to determine the difference between muskmelon and cantaloupe!
Think of muskmelon vs. cantaloupe like oranges vs. mandarins. Just like all mandarins are oranges, but not all oranges are mandarins; not all muskmelons are cantaloupes, but all cantaloupes are muskmelons. In other words, the difference between muskmelons and cantaloupe is that cantaloupe is a type of muskmelon—along with honeydew melons.
Muskmelon flesh may be orange, green, white, or yellow, and the skin might be netted (like cantaloupe) or smooth (like honeydew). They are said to have earned their name due to the somewhat “musky” aroma, although we find that some kinds of muskmelon smell faintly floral.
In the U.S., you’ll find one of two varieties of muskmelon labeled as “cantaloupe:”
- North American cantaloupe (cucumis melo var. reticulatus), which has a netted, light-green to tan rind (“reticulatus” means “net-like” in Latin) and mildly-flavored flesh.
- European cantaloupe (cucumis melo var. cantalupensis), which has a pale green rind and slightly sweeter flesh.
All muskmelons are hydrating, since they’re around 90% water, and they deliver a dose of immune-supporting vitamin C and gut-friendly fiber. Cantaloupe in particular is a good source of vitamin A, a micronutrient that may help reduce chronic inflammation and support eye health.
The Best Muskmelon and Cantaloupe Recipe Ideas
They’re also delicious and versatile. No matter what kind of muskmelon you decide to buy or harvest, you have a whole host of options to put it to good use. Wash your fruit well under running water, then follow our guide for how to cut cantaloupe (or other kinds of muskmelon).
Then you’re all set to try any or all of our Test Kitchen’s favorite muskmelon and cantaloupe uses:
- Toss it into a fruit salad.
- Serve it on skewers.
- Freeze a batch of granita or sorbet.
- Blend or infuse it into smoothies, cocktails, and spirit-free drinks.
- Dunk it in a creamy dip.
- Blitz it into gazpacho.