Lisa Grentz, MS, RDN, CD/LDN, FAND
Experts say the best way to pick a perfectly ripe cantaloupe is with your nose. You want to sniff the spot where the stem was to find out if the melon is ripe. A ripe melon will smell sweet and fragrant. Additional tips for selecting the perfect melon include:
· Select a melon that feels heavy for its size.
· Touch the melon to ensure it is firm but not hard.
· The color of the rind should be a creamy-beige under the netted pattern on the melon.
· Thumping the melon can also help gauge its ripeness by listening for a hollow sound.
Once you have selected the perfect melon, it can be stored uncut at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
This cantaloupe sorbet recipe is just one of over 80 recipes that will be featured in GIE’s new cookbook scheduled for release later this year. But, if you’re looking for more puree food ideas, check out our cookbook “Purees, Dips, and Spreads: Recipes for Growing Independent Eaters” available now for purchase here.
Cantaloupe Sorbet
2 cups cantaloupe, peeled, deseeded, and cut into ½-inch pieces
3 Tbsp. orange juice
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
4 Tbsp. water
Instructions
Place the cantaloupe chunks on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Make sure the fruit is spaced so that the chunks are not touching. Freeze for about 2 hours.
Once frozen, add the cantaloupe chunks and orange juice to the bowl of food processor or blender. Process briefly to breakdown the cantaloupe until it resembles shaved ice in the bowl.
Add maple syrup and process again. To help make the sorbet scoopable, you will need to add water. Start with 2 tablespoons of water, process, and then add another 2 tablespoons. Add additional water, if needed, and continue processing on high until the sorbet is smooth enough to serve. Total processing time is about 4-5 minutes.
Serve immediately or freeze and use within 2 hours. If you freeze for longer, the sorbet will become very hard and difficult to scoop. Leftover sorbet can be put in popsicle molds and frozen for a tasty treat later.