: The effect of processing cantaloupe melon under ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C) radiation on storage properties of the cut fruit at 10 °C was compared with post‐cut UV‐C fruit treatment and the untreated control. Cutting fruit under UV‐C light induced a hypersensitive defense response that resulted in increased accumulation of ascorbate peroxidase relative to the other 2 treatments. Fruit processed under UV‐C radiation had the lowest esterase activity throughout the storage period. Lipase activity was higher in post‐cut treated fruit than fruit processed under UV‐C light and the control fruit. Lipase activity, however, decreased rapidly in fruit processed under UV‐C and was undetectable after 7 d of storage. Human sensory aroma evaluation indicates reduced rancidity, and instrumental texture measurements suggested improved firmness retention in fruit cut under UV‐C radiation. The treatment also reduced respiration during cut fruit storage. UV‐C was effective in reducing yeast, mold, and Pseudomonas spp populations in both treatments. Fresh‐cut pieces from whole melon cut under UV light had lower populations of aerobic mesophilic and lactic acid bacteria relative to the control and post‐cut treated pieces. Results indicate that while post‐cut application of UV improved shelf life of cut cantaloupe melon, cutting fruit under UV‐C radiation further improves product quality.