Cantaloupe has been around since ancient Roman times about 2400 BC. Brought to the New World on one of Columbus's voyages in seed form, he later reported seeing it cultivated by the Indians.

Cantaloupes are named for the papal gardens of Cantaloupe, Italy, where some historians say this species of melon was first grown. Netted melons, popularly called cantaloupes by Americans, are actually musk melons, because of its sweet smell. Commercial production of cantaloupe in the U.S. began in the mid-1800's.

Most cantaloupe sold in super markets is grown in California, Texas, and Arizona and is available year-round. The favorite in Indiana farm markets is the large grooved varieties from Southern Indiana farms. They must mature on the vine, as they will not ripen once picked. To choose mature melons, look for one that is well netted or webbed, with a yellow background and a pleasing aroma. If any of the stem is showing, that means the melon was picked prematurely and will probably not taste as sweet as one allowed to ripen on the vine.

It is hard to believe, but the great taste of a juicy sweet cantaloupe comes with a very small caloric price: only 50 calories per 6-oz. slice! Half a cantaloupe will meet your daily requirement for both vitamins A and C, as well as valuable minerals such as folic acid and potassium. Cantaloupe has no fat or cholesterol and provides fiber in the diet.