Let me start by saying that cantaloupe (pronounced meh-lon) is similar to melon. In France, this fruit is a smaller, more compact and concentrated version of the melon. It is juicy, sweet, and very refreshing during the hot, humid, hot days of the French summer.
Cantaloupe is easy to serve: cut it open, remove the seeds and serve. But you can do more than serve it. natural. Although it is sweet and juicy, it can be accompanied with sweet or savory additions. Here are some more common ways to serve it in France. Note that the French serve this fruit as a first course, not as an accompaniment to the main course as is sometimes seen on the American table.
Also, you don’t really see melon for breakfast (again, very American). Sometimes you find a little sliced in a fruit salad for dessert, but honestly, I wouldn’t say you’d find much in fruit salad (probably that one or two leftover slices that no one could handle at lunch). If you think that’s possible!)
Served in an alcohol such as Port wine, any sweet cooked wine is a common variant on this French main course dish. While red port is the most common, I’ve also tried it with Pineau or white cooking wine. Also try a sweet white wine like Sauternes or Montbazillac if you can find one on hand.
Heavy, strong red wine is a new twist on serving this fruit with alcohol. I tried this version recently with our English friends. A beautiful and lighter version than with port. I suggest a strong and heady red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Another presentation option is to serve it with ham. Namely, prosciutto, or thinly sliced European ham. Wrap the melon slice, prick with a toothpick and serve at dinners.
A final serving suggestion is with griotte cherries: cherries in kirsch or brandy. Nice combo.
Since cantaloupe is bigger than cantaloupe, I cut up my cantaloupe squares, mixed them with my liquor of choice, and served in a large salad bowl.
Of course, the melon can be served in other ways. This is just a starting point. To finish, I must say that everyone likes melon. No, I haven’t done a global survey, but I’ve been serving it for years; I’ve been eating it at dinner parties for years and have never heard anyone (of any age) say, “Oh du melon… bruek!” (Oh God, melon… Yuck!)
No, the usual response is, ‘Yippy!’ (of children) and adults, “Oh, I’ve been looking forward to that! It’s so light and refreshing.”
Keep in mind that the melon is light in consistency and calories, carbohydrates and calories. It’s a great food to eat that will make you smile without weighing you down.