How to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe. Hint – use all your senses

Finding the perfect cantaloupe is an art form that takes practice. Fortunately, you’re already equipped with the necessary tools: your senses. Here are some tips to help you leave with a fruit you’ll actually enjoy eating when you cut it open.

One of the first tips for picking the perfect melon is its weight. "Ripe cantaloupes will feel heavy and give just a little bit if you press on them," says Lisa Valente, a registered dietitian based near Burlington, Vermont. The average cantaloupe will weigh between three and five pounds, and a heavy melon indicates it’s full of juice and that sweet flavor it's known for. A simple tap on the cantaloupe for a dull sound can also be helpful when picking the fruit.

Another great indicator of a ripe melon is a golden color. "You don't want to see too much green under the outer skin or netting," explains Valente. Remember that while a cantaloupe does continue to ripen after it’s harvested, the actual sugar content won’t change. While you’re inspecting the color, also pay attention to any abrasions on the rind. "If the fruit has any dents, soft spots or cracks in the skin, those are signs of damage and potential places for mold or bacteria to start growing," she says. "If you see moldy spots on your cantaloupe, it's best to throw it away or compost it."

One of the best tools for picking a ripe cantaloupe? Your nose. "If you smell the end of the cantaloupe on the blossom side, the end opposite where the stem was, you want it to smell sweet and floral, almost like honey," says Valente. "If it doesn't have a scent, it's probably not ripe."

Your ability to be choosy also impacts how long the fruit will last at home. "It really depends on how soft it is when you purchase it," she says. "Cantaloupe should last a few days on the counter, but a whole melon will last about seven days stored in the fridge."

By getting all these senses involved, and with a little practice, you can perfect your cantaloupe shopping skills.