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How long does cantaloupe last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Pantry / counter
5 days
Whole, until ripe
Refrigerator
2 weeks
Whole, ripe
After opening
4 days
Cut, airtight container
The short answer
Cantaloupe lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Orange-fleshed melon. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if cantaloupe is bad
- Mushy or fibrous flesh
- Sour smell
- Mold at stem end
Storage tips
- Smells sweet at stem end when ripe
- Gives slightly to pressure when ripe
- Wash exterior before cutting
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Frequently asked questions
How long does cantaloupe last in the pantry / counter?
Cantaloupe lasts 5 days in the pantry / counter. Whole, until ripe
How long does cantaloupe last in the refrigerator?
Cantaloupe lasts 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Whole, ripe
How long does cantaloupe last in the after opening?
Cantaloupe lasts 4 days in the after opening. Cut, airtight container
How can you tell if cantaloupe is bad?
Watch for: Mushy or fibrous flesh; Sour smell; Mold at stem end.