How to Harvest Cantaloupe Seeds

Cantaloupe belongs to the Cucumis plant species. It's also a member of the melo botanical group, and it is a type of muskmelon. Cantaloupe is often produced for food, but some growers also plant it for the seeds. If you'd like to harvest your own cantaloupe seeds, keep this in mind: If you sow them, they might not produce a cantaloupe similar to the one they came from. Cross-pollination might have genetically modified the seeds.

Ripe cantaloupe
Knife
Bowl
Spoon
Wire or plastic mesh

Instructions

- 1
  Harvest the cantaloupe when it's ripe. It must be mature enough for eating so the embryo inside its seed is fully developed.
- 2
  Cut the cantaloupe open in half at the center, as you do when you are planning to eat it.
- 3
  Fill a bowl with water and scrape the seeds off the cantaloupe into it with a spoon.
- 4
  Scrape the pulp off the seeds in the water with your fingers and nails, but take care not to crack or scratch the seeds. It's all right if some pulp remains clinging to them.
- 5
  Remove and discard all cantaloupe seeds that float to the top. They move up to the surface because they're hollow and unable to reproduce.
- 6
  Rinse the seeds you retained in clean water.
- 7
  Place the seeds on an elevated wire rack or plastic mesh to dry. Air should be able to circulate under them. Don't use a solid tray or plate, or place the screen on a counter. Sow or store your seeds after they dry.

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