The most popular type of melon in the US, cantaloupe is a favorite among sweet tooths for its candy-like flavor.

It is immediately recognizable by its brown, shell-like rind that can be easily removed to expose the soft, orange flesh beneath.

Being descended from tropical fruits, cantaloupe does best in warm climates where it can complete its lengthy ripening process.

As a result, summer is usually the most ideal season for harvesting cantaloupe.

The melon can be used in a variety of ways, namely as part of a salad, a dessert or an appetizer, like cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto for example.

It is always good practice to vigorously wash and scrub the surface of the cantaloupe before prepping it for a meal, as it can harbor bacteria pathogens like Salmonella.