Honeydew vs. Cantaloupe — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Honeydew is a sweet melon with smooth, pale green skin and light green flesh, while Cantaloupe, often called muskmelon, has a netted rind and orange flesh.
Difference Between Honeydew and Cantaloupe
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Honeydew and Cantaloupe are both popular melons enjoyed by many. Honeydew is known for its distinctive smooth, pale green outer skin and its sweet, juicy, light green flesh. Its taste is often described as subtly sweet with a hint of freshness. On the other hand, Cantaloupe, sometimes referred to as muskmelon, has a more textured, netted rind and vibrant orange flesh. The taste of Cantaloupe is a mix of sweetness and juiciness, with a slightly musky undertone.
When it comes to texture, both melons have a soft and juicy flesh, but Honeydew's texture can be slightly firmer than that of Cantaloupe. Nutritionally, both melons offer numerous health benefits and are packed with vitamins and minerals. However, there may be slight variations in the nutritional content, with Cantaloupe generally having more Vitamin A.
In culinary applications, Honeydew and Cantaloupe can be used interchangeably, but each brings its unique flavor to dishes, be it in fruit salads, smoothies, or desserts.
Comparison Chart
Appearance of Skin
Smooth, pale green
Netted, rough, tan
Flesh Color
Light green
Orange
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Taste
Subtly sweet
Sweet with a slightly musky undertone
Texture
Soft, juicy, can be slightly firmer
Soft, very juicy
Nutritional Content
Rich in Vitamin C and Potassium
Rich in Vitamin A and C, and beta-carotene
Compare with Definitions
Honeydew
A round melon often eaten in summer.
Honeydew is her favorite summer refreshment.
Cantaloupe
A melon with a netted rind.
The cantaloupe's aroma was inviting.
Honeydew
A sweet melon with pale green skin.
She sliced the honeydew for the fruit salad.
Cantaloupe
A popular breakfast fruit.
Cantaloupe cubes were served with breakfast.
Honeydew
A fruit known for its hydrating properties.
On hot days, honeydew can help keep you hydrated.
Cantaloupe
Also known as muskmelon.
The store labeled the cantaloupe as muskmelon.
Honeydew
A fruit with light green, juicy flesh.
The honeydew added a subtle sweetness to the mix.
Cantaloupe
A vitamin-rich melon.
Cantaloupe is a good source of Vitamin A.
Honeydew
A member of the melon family.
The honeydew was displayed next to the watermelons.
Cantaloupe
A sweet fruit with orange flesh.
She blended the cantaloupe into a smoothie.
Honeydew
A sweet, sticky substance excreted by aphids and often deposited on leaves and stems.
Cantaloupe
The cantaloupe, rockmelon (Australia and New Zealand), sweet melon, or spanspek (South Africa) is a melon that is a variety of the muskmelon species (Cucumis melo) from the family Cucurbitaceae. Cantaloupes range in weight from 0.5 to 5 kilograms (1 to 11 lb).
Honeydew
A melon of a variety with smooth pale skin and sweet green flesh.
Cantaloupe
A variety of melon (Cucumis melo) having a tan rind with netlike ridges and sweet fragrant orange flesh.
Honeydew
A sweet sticky substance excreted by insects, such as aphids, that feed on plant sap. Honeydew sometimes accumulates on leaves and other plant parts.
Cantaloupe
Any of several other similar melons.
Honeydew
A honeydew melon.
Cantaloupe
A melon of species Cucumis melo subsp. melo with sweet orange flesh, with numerous cultivars in several cultivar groups.
Honeydew
(uncountable) A sweet, sticky substance deposited on leaves and other plant parts by insects (especially aphids and scale insects) feeding on plant sap, or by fungi.
Cantaloupe
Smooth-skinned, also known as true cantaloupe, found in the Middle East and also grown in Europe.
Honeydew
(by extension)
Cantaloupe
Having a rough skin resembling netting; also known as muskmelon or rockmelon.
Honeydew
(uncountable) A sweet liquid substance resembling the substance mentioned in sense 1, such as honey, nectar, or manna in the Bible.
Cantaloupe
An orange colour, like that of cantaloupe flesh.
Honeydew
(uncountable) A blackish mould (often called sooty mould) produced by fungi of the order Dothideales, feeding on the substance mentioned in sense 1.
Cantaloupe
A muskmelon of several varieties, having when mature, a yellowish skin, and flesh of a reddish orange color.
Honeydew
In full honeydew tobacco: a fine sort of tobacco moistened with a sweet substance (originally molasses).
Cantaloupe
A variety of muskmelon vine having fruit with a tan rind and orange flesh
Honeydew
(countable) rind]]
Cantaloupe
The fruit of a cantaloup vine; small to medium-sized melon with yellowish flesh
Honeydew
Something that is enjoyable or pleasant.
Honeydew
Of a light green colour, like the flesh of some honeydew melons.
Honeydew
A sweet, saccharine substance, found on the leaves of trees and other plants in small drops, like dew. Two substances have been called by this name; one exuded from the plants, and the other secreted by certain insects, esp. aphids.
Honeydew
A kind of tobacco moistened with molasses.
Honeydew
A honeydew melon.
Honeydew
The fruit of a variety of winter melon vine; a large smooth-skinned greenish-white melon with pale green flesh
Common Curiosities
Which melon has a smooth skin: Honeydew or Cantaloupe?
Honeydew has smooth, pale green skin, while Cantaloupe has a netted rind.
Which is sweeter: Honeydew or Cantaloupe?
Both are sweet, but taste can vary based on ripeness; Honeydew is subtly sweet, Cantaloupe has a musky undertone.
Which has more Vitamin A: Honeydew or Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe generally has more Vitamin A than Honeydew.
Are Honeydews always green inside?
Typically, Honeydews have light green flesh, while Cantaloupes are orange.
Are Honeydew and Cantaloupe related?
Yes, both Honeydew and Cantaloupe are types of melons.
Can I use Honeydew and Cantaloupe interchangeably in recipes?
Yes, but each has its unique flavor, so it may alter the taste slightly.
How can I tell if a Honeydew is ripe?
A ripe Honeydew will have a slightly waxy feel and a fragrant smell.
Is muskmelon the same as Cantaloupe?
Yes, Cantaloupe is often referred to as muskmelon, especially in some regions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
