Muskmelon vs. Cantaloupe: What’s the Difference?

Learn about the differences between muskmelon vs. cantaloupe as well as the nutritional value and health benefits of each

Muskmelon and cantaloupe are both sweet and refreshing melons that are often confused for one another due to their similar appearance.

Learn about the differences between muskmelon vs. cantaloupe as well as the nutritional value and health benefits of each.

What is muskmelon vs. cantaloupe?

Muskmelon

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) is a yellow-colored melon that belongs to the gourd family. Muskmelon is available in many varieties and goes by names such as honeydew, Santa Claus melon, Persian melon, and cantaloupe.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a member of the muskmelon family. There are two types: Cucumis melo reticulatus (North American) and Cucumis melo cantalupensis (European).

While all cantaloupes are muskmelons, the opposite is not true.

Though they might be similar from the name to the taste, cantaloupe has some specific values that make it stand out from the rest of the muskmelon family.

Table 1: Key differences between muskmelon vs. cantaloupe Characteristics Muskmelon Cantaloupe

Variety
Includes cantaloupe and other types of melon

North American cantaloupe
European cantaloupe

Color
Varies

Green skin turns yellow when ripe
North American cantaloupe has a netted web of skin
European cantaloupe may have web and green lines on the skin

Flesh
Orange, yellow, and green flesh
Orange flesh

Taste
Tends to be sweeter
Less sweet and softer

What are the nutritional facts of cantaloupe vs. honeydew muskmelon?

Table 2: Nutritional value of 1 cup (156 grams) of cantaloupe and 1 cup (170 grams) of honeydew muskmelon (RDI = Recommended Dietary Intake) Nutrient Honeydew Cantaloupe

Calories
61
53

Fiber
1.5 grams
2 gram

Carbs
15 grams
13 gram

Protein
1 grams
1 gram

Vitamin C
34% of the RDI
64% of the RDI

Vitamin A
2% of the RDI
29% of the RDI

Potassium
8% of the RDI
9% of the RDI

Folate
8% of the RDI
8% of the RDI

Niacin
4% of the RDI
7% of the RDI

Vitamin B6
9% of the RDI
7% of the RDI

Magnesium
4% of the RDI
5% of the RDI

Thiamine
5% of the RDI
5% of the RDI

Vitamin K
4% of the RDI
3% of the RDI

9 health benefits of muskmelon and cantaloupe

1. Helps with weight control

Muskmelon and cantaloupe are low in fat and calories, which makes them beneficial for weight loss.

They keep you full for longer, thus preventing unhealthy food cravings.

2. Hydrating

Muskmelon is high in water content, which helps you maintain adequate hydration, especially in hot weather.

3. Boosts immunity

Muskmelon strengthens the immune system to help the body fight diseases.

The vitamin A and phytochemical content in muskmelon and cantaloupe help maintain gut health, which is directly associated with immune system function.

Muskmelon is also rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity by stimulating the production and action of white blood cells in the body.

4. Has anti-inflammatory properties

Melon extracts contain superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant that helps combat oxidative damage to cells.

They also contain a significant amount of vitamin A, which helps delay the aging process.

5. Protects the eyes

Since muskmelon is rich in vitamin A, it is beneficial for eye health and can help improve eyesight and prevent cataracts.

Studies have shown that regular consumption of foods high in vitamin A can reduce the risk of cataracts by 40%.

6. Promotes heart health

Melons are rich in potassium, which regulates blood pressure and keeps the heart healthy.

They are also rich in a compound called adenosine, which has blood-thinning properties to prevent blood clotting in the cardiovascular system.

7. Helps maintain gut health

Muskmelon and cantaloupe are high in fiber, which is excellent for maintaining gut health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and can help with healthy digestion.

8. Reduces stress

Muskmelon contains minerals such as potassium that can help relieve stress and have a relaxing effect on the body.

9. Promotes healthy skin and hair

Muskmelon is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep skin and hair healthy by promoting cell turnover and reducing sebum production.

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What are the risks associated with muskmelon and cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe has a higher likelihood of being contaminated by listeria, bacteria that can cause listeriosis. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, muscle pain, and digestive issues.

Cantaloupe is an excellent source of potassium. However, excess consumption of potassium can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia, which can be harmful to the kidneys and the heart.

How to eat muskmelon and cantaloupe

The most popular way to eat muskmelon and cantaloupe is raw, either alone or mixed with other fruits as a fruit salad.

Other ways to eat melons include:

Adding it to a green salad
Blended and chilled as a soup
Blended with other fruits to make a smoothie
Pureed and frozen in molds to make popsicles