Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is one of summer's most refreshing fruits — soft, fragrant, and made of around ninety percent water, which makes it a delicious way to stay hydrated when the weather is hot. That high water content, paired with a good amount of potassium, also makes it gently helpful for balancing blood pressure and easing the body's tendency to hold extra fluid.

Its deep orange color is the giveaway of its richest gift: a generous supply of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → A. That vitamin is essential for the eyes, helping protect the retina and supporting clear vision as we age, and it nourishes the skin as well. Cantaloupe rounds this out with a healthy dose of vitamin C.

The flesh is entirely wholesome. The one sensible habit is to scrub the netted rind before slicing, since that rough skin can carry surface bacteria that a knife would otherwise drag into the fruit.