Any way to soften a cut cantaloupe?

[mickeygee]

I purchased some cut cantaloupe the other day, thinking it would be an easy snack for my 1 year old. but I feel that they are too hard for her to gum, and wonder if there's any way to soften them a little? (of course, that will teach me to not buy a whole one that I can ripen on my own). Thanks!

[Querencia]

The best way to soften a cantaloupe is before you cut it---put it in a brown paper grocery bag, fold the top over a couple of times, and clip it shut so it will be pretty much airtight. A few days of this will soften most melons (also works for papayas). Check the progress every day as they can go too far before you know it.

[Karen_Schaffer]

Freezing it then thawing will soften it. Try a couple cubes and see if you like the effect.

[critter101]

How about grilling it? Google "grilled cantaloupe" - there are lots of ideas.

[hotoynoodle]

you can puree or cook it.

[mickeygee]

I don't want to puree, since she's in a "I must feed myself" stage and won't take purees any more. But maybe I can roast it just a little, or cook it in water to soften it up, but still have it in chunks she can pick up and feed at daycare? Adventure saturday!

[hotoynoodle]

what about using a potato masher on it?

have you tried just giving it to her? she may work on it. it's fleshy fruit. not like gravel or anything, lol.

[chowser]

I've tried that and my daughter choked. I'd puree it.