It's that time again, here in Michigan.  Yes, the cantaloupes are ripe and swollen with juicy goodness!  Many of us here at the MDA look forward each year to some of the best melon anywhere in the world, and you won't find any better than at one of our many Farm and Farmer's markets or U-Pick Farms located all over the state.  To find one near you, just browse on over to our U-Pick database , type melons or canteloupe in type crops.

If you love cantaloupe as much as we do, then you probably already know that the cantaloupe is part of the melon family known as muskmelon, which comprises two distinct groups.  First there's the net-skinned varieties such as the cantaloupe and the Persian melons, and then there's the smooth skinned melons such as the honeydew and the casaba.  Then there's the watermelon, which falls in a group all its own.  Whatever type of melon it is you are looking for, many are coming ripe right now and are available at a market near you.

Keep in mind that all melons should be well washed before cutting. Perhaps something you didn't know, melons are good for you.  Muskmelons in particular are low in calories, high in Vitamins A and C as well as folate and fiber.  Muskmelons, especially the honeydew, are receptive to a light sprinkle of lemon juice before serving.

Don't be a melon-head, get your melons while they are both fresh and ripe!