Choosing the Perfect Cantaloupe

Nothing says summer more than melon. I believe there are two camps when it comes to melons. The watermelon lovers and those that prefer cantaloupe. Personally I prefer watermelon and I can't get enough of cold red ripe juicy watermelons in the summer. That doesn't mean that I don't enjoy a nice sweet cantaloupe from time to time, especially if it is halved and the center filled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Unlike peaches that can be gently squeezed to feel for ripeness or blackberries or blueberries that can be sampled for sweetness, melons must be purchased and taken home before tasting. Nothing is worst then purchasing a melon , cutting into it and being disappointed with under ripe or over ripe fruit. The best method for picking a cantaloupe is by using your senses. Pick up the cantaloupe. It should be heavy for the size. It should be firm with no soft spots, yet not rock hard. Look at the skin. The skin should be cream to light beige in color. If growing cantaloupes in the garden watch the melons turn from green to creamy beige or pale yellow. Check for bruising. The stem should be brown and the bottom flat from the weight of the melon. Some people thump the cantaloupe and listen for a dull hollow sound. I believe this works well for watermelon not so much for cantaloupe. Others shake the melon and listen for loose seeds, again I don't recommend this way of testing. Instead use your nose. The sense of smell is the best tool one has when choosing a ripe cantaloupe. e. Close your eyes and lift the melon to your nose and take a whiff. It should smell sweet and fresh " cantloupey' like the best cantaloupe you have ever had. Trust your instincts. Ignore shoppers that pick up any melon and put it in their basket. You are going for melon perfection. Just like the cantaloupe vendor at your local farmer's market with a little practice and a good nose , you too will be able to select the best tasting cantaloupe. And last but not least, if you do bring home a cantaloupe that isn't quite ripe, cantaloupes unlike watermelon will continue to ripen after being picked so wait a day or two before eating. Still waiting for the cantaloupes to ripen Around Our Southern Home and Garden.