To tell if a cantaloupe is ripe, look for these key signs:
- The stem should easily slip off the fruit with little or no pressure ("full slip"). If the stem resists, the melon is not ripe yet.
- The skin should change from green to a yellowish tan or beige color under the netting texture. The netting should be fully developed.
- The blossom end (opposite the stem) should yield slightly to gentle pressure, feeling soft but not mushy.
- A ripe cantaloupe smells sweet, floral, and musky near the blossom end. No smell or a faint scent indicates underripe.
- The rind should feel firm but heavier than expected for its size.
- A hollow or dull sound when tapped may indicate overripe or underripe; a deep, solid sound suggests ripeness.
Harvest ripe cantaloupes by giving the stem a gentle tug; if it separates easily, the melon is ripe and ready to pick. On the vine, ripe melons often exhibit a slight yellowing and a musky aroma. If the stem is still firmly attached and the color remains largely green, let the cantaloupe mature longer. These indicators help ensure the cantaloupe will be sweet and flavorful when eaten.
