If you are a fan of different melon varieties, you may be wondering what the differences are between a sugar kiss melon vs cantaloupe. These two melons are directly related to each other, which is why they look so similar, but what might their differences be, and what else might they have in common?
In this article, we will compare and contrast the sugar kiss melon with cantaloupe so that you can fully understand the differences between them. We will go over their physical descriptions as well as what they taste like, and how they originated in the first place. Let’s get started and learn all about these different muskmelons now!
Comparing Sugar Kiss Melon vs Cantaloupe
| Sugar Kiss Melon | Cantaloupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Classification | Cucumis melo, with hami melon connections | Cucumis melo |
| Description | Tan colored exterior covered in unique netting or ridges. Melon is oval shaped and round, with a light green rind. The fruit is a pleasant light orange color, with a dense cluster of seeds in the center. Fruit tastes more flavorful and sweet compared to cantaloupe, and the texture is also more delicate | Tan colored exterior covered in unique netting or ridges. Melon is oval shaped and round, with a light green rind. The fruit is a pleasant light orange color, with a dense cluster of seeds in the center. May have more seeds on average compared to sugar kiss melons. Fruit tastes more mild and plain compared to sugar kiss melons, but still has a pleasant texture and sweetness |
| Uses | Prized for its sweet, potent flavor and delicate texture. Typically eaten raw in salads, on its own, as gelato, or paired with cured meats. Similar nutritional value to cantaloupe | Popular around the world as a snack and salad accompaniment. Cantaloupe gelato is also popular and it is frequently paired with cured meats. Contains high levels of vitamin C and A |
| Origin and Growing Preferences | Originated in Taiwan and Arizona, through seed cultivators and manufacturers; grows similarly to cantaloupe | Originated in South America or Asia, but became popularized in Europe; thrives in full sun with nutritious soil, and spreads easily |
| Age of Cultivar | Relatively new; developed in 2006 | Older variety; developed in the 1800s |
Key Differences Between Sugar Kiss Melon vs Cantaloupe
The sugar kiss melon was developed as a sweeter and smoother variety compared to cantaloupe, which is mild in flavor by comparison.
©iStock.com/sKrisda
There are a number of key differences between sugar kiss melons and cantaloupes. For example, sugar kiss melons and cantaloupes both belong to the same plant species, but they are different cultivars from each other. The flavor of the sugar kiss melon is more powerful and sweeter compared to the mild flavor of cantaloupe. Finally, cantaloupes are a much older variety of melon compared to the newly developed sugar kiss melon.
Let’s go over all of these differences in more detail now.
Sugar Kiss Melon vs Cantaloupe: Classification
It is difficult to know the differences between sugar kiss melons and cantaloupes upon first glance, because they are nearly identical in appearance. However, their scientific classifications are slightly different from each other, as cantaloupe is a cultivar of the Cucumis melo species, while sugar kiss melons are a hybrid creation from the same species, particularly using the hami melon. Sugar kiss melons are likely a combination of cantaloupes and hami melons.
Sugar Kiss Melon vs Cantaloupe: Description
The center of cantaloupes and sugar kiss melons is full of seeds, but the average sugar kiss melon has fewer seeds compared to cantaloupe seeds.
©John Holst/Shutterstock.com
Cantaloupes and sugar kiss melons look identical from the outside, and they continue to look similar from the inside as well. Both of these melons are beige or tan in color, covered in intricate ridges or netting on the outside of the rind. There’s a light green hint to the rind as well, with light orange fruit inside.
The center of cantaloupes and sugar kiss melons is full of seeds, but the average sugar kiss melon has fewer seeds compared to cantaloupe seeds. The main difference between these two varieties lies in their taste. The sugar kiss melon was developed as a sweeter and smoother variety compared to cantaloupe, which is mild in flavor by comparison. In addition, the rind of the sugar kiss melon is thinner compared to the thick rind of cantaloupe.
Sugar Kiss Melon vs Cantaloupe: Uses
The rind of the sugar kiss melon is thinner compared to the thick rind of cantaloupe.
©iStock.com/agcuesta
Sugar kiss melons and cantaloupes are used interchangeably with one another, though the overall sweetness of sugar kiss melons may alter the way you use them compared to the average cantaloupe. Both varieties are eaten raw, frequently in salads or paired with cured meats. In addition, both cantaloupes and sugar kiss melons are a great source of vitamin C and vitamin A, making them a nutritious snack!
Sugar Kiss Melon vs Cantaloupe: Origin and How to Grow
The origins of sugar kiss melons and cantaloupes is another way in which they differ. For example, sugar kiss melons were developed through seed cultivators in Taiwan and Arizona, while the cantaloupe originated somewhere in South America or Asia. When it comes to growing both of these melon varieties, they enjoy full sun and plenty of nutritious soil. Make sure they have plenty of room to grow, as sugar kiss melons and cantaloupe spread easily!
Sugar Kiss Melon vs Cantaloupe: Age of Cultivar
Sugar kiss melons were developed in 2006, while cantaloupes originated sometime during the 1800s.
©Kotcha K/Shutterstock.com
The final difference between cantaloupes and sugar kiss melons is the fact that cantaloupes are significantly older than sugar kiss melons are. In fact, sugar kiss melons were developed in 2006, while cantaloupes originated sometime during the 1800s. While sugar kiss melons are the sweeter and more flavorful counterpart of cantaloupes, they are still gaining popularity and may be more difficult to find at your local grocery store.
How Many Types of Cantaloupes Are There?
The Galia melon is a hybrid cantaloupe developed in Israel.
©Asio otus / CC BY-SA 3.0 – License
Cantaloupes are part of a larger group of melons called muskmelons, named as such for their flavor and fragrance. In general, American cantaloupes have netted skin, while European kins have ribbed skin that’s light green in color. Other countries like France and Japan have their own types, as well as other Asian countries. Below are 21 different types of cantaloupes:
- Charentais (French)
- Savor (Hybrid Charentais)
- Sivan (Charentais type)
- Diplomat (Galia type; cross between Cantaloupe and Honeydew)
- Arancino (Italian, originating in Sicily)
- Sugar Cube (small single-sized)
- True Love (created at the University of New Hampshire)
- First Kiss (created at U. of New Hampshire, matures early)
- Sarah’s Choice (created at U. of New Hampshire)
- Golden Gopher (created at U. of Minnesota)
- Hannah’s Choice (created at Cornell University)
- Home Run (nod to Hammerin’ Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s record in 1974)
- Divergent (large American variety)
- Sweet Granite (grows well in mountains)
- Sensation (white variety from France)
- Pride of Wisconsin (juicy, salmon-colored outside)
- Halona
- Oregon Delicious
- Hearts of Gold (created in 1800s in U.S.)
- Hara Madhu (created at Punjab Agricultural University)
- Ichiba Kouiji (Japanese)
The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/agcuesta
Sources
- Sugar Kiss Melons, Available here: https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Sugar_Kiss_Melon_15195.php
- Quality of cantaloupe muskmelons: Variability and attributes, Available here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0304423877900796
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