Oppenheimer Group: A World of Produce: Melon: Handling, Storage & Merchandising


Receiving and Inspecting:		Good quality melons should be firm with no visible cracks, pitting or soft spots and minimal scaring. Juicy melons should feel heavy for their size. Cantaloupes should smell fragrant when ripe. Sweet Groove cantaloupe has a rind with grooves that change in color from green to cream, also indicating ripeness. Sweet Groove cantaloupes are purposely harvested with a ‘full slip,’ meaning they are cut from the vine with part of the base of the stem still attached.

Handling:		Temperature: 50-59 degrees F, 10-15 degrees C (watermelon) 36-41 degrees F, 2.2-5 degrees C (cantaloupe) Relative humidity: 85-90% (watermelon) 90-95% (cantaloupe) Mist: No

Typical Shelf Life:		10-14 days in proper refrigeration (watermelon & cantaloupe)

Sensitivities:		Watermelons are ethylene-sensitive (Do not store or transport with ethylene-producing commodities.) Cantaloupes are ethylene producers (Do not store or transport with ethylene-sensitive commodities.) Watermelons and cantaloupes are both susceptible to chilling injury; though damage sometimes is not apparent until produce is returned to a warmer temperature.

Merchandising:		Slice a melon in half and wrap in plastic to display the fruit’s inner beauty. Offer ripe samples, so shoppers can taste the quality and flavor. Promote the health benefits and nutrition content of melons. Watermelon is especially high in lycopene, which is linked strongly to cancer prevention. Merchandise different melon varieties together. Oppenheimer-branded melon boxes can be used to create a stunning waterfall display. Position fruit outside the store’s front entrance in summertime to inspire impulse purchases. Avoid piling displays too high, as excess pressure on lower layers can cause bruising and/or cracking. Brace the bottom layer thoroughly to avoid a melon avalanche.

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