I'm trying to figure out how to pick a ripe cantaloupe.
By stary1
@stary1 (6612)
United States
May 17, 2011 4:28pm CST
I had some wonderful suggestions on picking a ripe watermelon that I decided to ask about another one of my favorite fruits..cantaloupe. I eat cottage cheese with fruit every morning and cantaloupe is one of the best combinations with it. I am so disappointed to cut open one that is not ripe :(
I have been told the smell test is the most reliable, but that doesn't always work. I also was told if too much green is showing, pick another one. What else should I look for? Thank you in advance!! :)
4 people like this
7 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
17 May 11
No ajk, you are thinking antelope, not cantaloupe. The first picture I posted is the animal.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
17 May 11
The second picture is a cantaloupe, a delicious melon...
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
17 May 11
Here is a link about it:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantaloupe
@cream97 (29086)
• United States
17 May 11
Hi. stary1. I think that you should look at the shape, size and the color of the cantaloupe that will help you to determine if it is ripe enough. The firmness of the cantaloupe makes a huge difference to. I hope that you will be able to find the best kind of cantaloupe that is fresh enough for you to eat.
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
18 May 11
I don't think the shape or size has anything to do with it, but the color, if it was real green, that is an indicator that it is not ripe...
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
17 May 11
I have always used the smell method and it works for me. I really don't think there are other ways to determine how ripe a cantaloupe is, but now I am craving them..
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
17 May 11
Did you scratch the end of it? The end where it is picked from the vine, there is a circular indent, you have to scratch some layers off and then smell it.
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
17 May 11
I find this suggestion hilarious because, if you scratch the end and decide that it is not ripe and set it down and then along comes someone else and does the same thing and then someone else and... 
I worked for many years in fruit and veg and these melons abound in Italy in the summer. Without scratching but holding it firmly with both hands, just press the indent in each end. The softer it is then the riper it is and buon appetito!
I worked for many years in fruit and veg and these melons abound in Italy in the summer. Without scratching but holding it firmly with both hands, just press the indent in each end. The softer it is then the riper it is and buon appetito! 
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
18 May 11
mysdianait has the right answer. Thats the way to determine if its ripe. OF course if flies are flying around, then you wont need to press both ends to feel if its tender or not lol
Enjoy your cantaloupe!!
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
18 May 11
MMM cantaloupes
I have been lucky to date thus far as I usually do smell it and do not know why I tape it but basically I do like that they are firm and not soft, which to date I have been lucky in selecting some really good ones. 
I have been lucky to date thus far as I usually do smell it and do not know why I tape it but basically I do like that they are firm and not soft, which to date I have been lucky in selecting some really good ones. 
@gingerberrie (191)
• Philippines
17 May 11
Hi stary,
I love cantaloupe too. What I know is also the smell. It should be musky sweet smell with a smooth surface and even color.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
18 May 11
Strangely this is a fruit that I just do not like. I do not know why
I adore mangoes, kiwi and bananas though
I adore mangoes, kiwi and bananas though