How to Pick a Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is a melon that is characterized by its orange flesh and sweet taste. A ripe cantaloupe can have up to 20 percent sugar, making it one of the sweetest melons. On the other hand, cantaloupe that is not fully ripe often has a bland taste. When shopping, the key to getting the perfect cantaloupe is to know how to pick it.
- Look at the stem end of the cantaloupe . It should be nice and clean, which indicates that it naturally slipped from the stem. If there is an extension of the stem, it means that it was picked before its time.
- Pick the cantaloupe up in your hand. It should feel heavy in your hand and have a symmetrical shape.
- Run your hand over the outer "webby" layer of skin. It should feel dry, not waxy or tacky to your touch.
- Look beyond the outer layer of skin to the background color. Look for a cantaloupe that has a yellow or creamy color. There should be little to no green, which is a sign that the melon is immature.
- Turn the melon so that you are looking at the end that is opposite of the stem end. Depress the area slightly. It should be slightly softer here than the rest of the melon.
- Sniff this area on the melon. It should have a sweet, floral smell if it is ripe.