How To Tell If Hami Melon Is Ripe

Next time y'all're at the store, here's how to tell if a melon is ripe. Hint: Yous'll need to tap into all your senses!

Nothing says "summertime" like a sweet and juicy melon! (Especially an extra-refreshing watermelon.) That's why getting home and finding you've purchased a lackluster cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon is and then disappointing. This guide volition show you how to tell if a melon is ripe before you brand your determination in the produce section.

Conventional wisdom says thumping a melon is the best fashion to tell if it's sweet and juicy. But here's what you should do kickoff:

How to Pick a Watermelon

Start exist looking at the skin'due south "finish." A ripe watermelon will accept a tedious skin—which is somewhat unexpected. You likewise don't want to see bruises, spots or cracks. You'll as well notice most watermelons develop a spot where they rest on the ground, and when it's yellow (and you don't see any stripes on the patch), the melon should be ripe and gear up to slice.

Afterwards all that, y'all can tap or thump the melon with your palm—a ripe watermelon should sound hollow and make a thunk audio.

Frosty Watermelon Water ice

Here'southward a fun twist on watermelon. It'south and so refreshing on a summer 24-hour interval, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia

Cool and Flossy Watermelon Pie

This simple pie is so refreshing that information technology never lasts long on warm summer days. Watermelon and a few convenience items arrive a delightful dessert that doesn't take much effort. —Velma Beck, Carlinville, Illinois

Spicy Shrimp & Watermelon Kabobs

My three sons tin can polish off a watermelon in i sitting. Before they dig in, I set aside a few slices to make these zesty shrimp kabobs. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas

Tangy Watermelon Salad

The refreshing alloy of watermelon, scarlet onions and a splash of citrus always does me proud at picnics and potlucks. I like to prepare it a day ahead so the flavors have a gamble to blend, and I use the rind as a colorful serving bowl. If you're short on time, simply substitute any bottled citrus vinaigrette. —Alisha Duncan, Blanchard, Oklahoma

Juicy Watermelon Salad

This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, cherry-red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan

Ancho Garlic Steaks with Summer Salsa

The first time I tasted this, I was amazed how well the blueberries and watermelon went with the fiery steak. Use whatever fruits are in season so you can serve this anytime. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut

Watermelon and Spinach Salad

Summertime'south the perfect fourth dimension to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect information technology, only spinach is awesome hither. Eat information technology and feel absurd on fifty-fifty the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii

Mojito Marinated Fruit

All the flavors of the popular mojito cocktail are featured in this fantastic salad. Later you eat the fruit, you'll want to sip the luscious syrup! —Marcy Griffith, Excelsior, Minnesota

Watermelon Tomato plant Salad

Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team upward to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington

Strawberry Watermelon Slush

We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon alloy up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Slap-up Falls, Montana

Xanthous Squash & Watermelon Salad

I ever enjoy taking this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people really seem to appreciate it. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the brilliant, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois

Watermelon Gazpacho

This is a delightfully simple, elegant dish. Serve every bit a side or with pita and hummus for a repast. It'due south and so refreshing—guests will honey it. —Nicole Deelah, Nashville, Tennessee

Spicy Watermelon Salsa

I threw this together after an overzealous trip to the farmers market! My family loved it from the kickoff seize with teeth. You lot can serve it correct away but the best flavor is achieved after letting the salsa rest in the refrigerator for a few hours. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas

Melon with Serrano-Mint Syrup

This is just ane of the recipes I developed to take advantage of the fresh mint I grow near year-circular. The serrano pepper is a nice dissimilarity to the sweetness of the syrup and salad. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas

Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade

The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summertime sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweetness-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Melon-Drupe Salad

The best way to absurd down on a warm day is with a chilled fruit salad. Serve this one for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Yogurt and coconut milk make the flossy dressing fifty-fifty more decadent. Wait until just before serving to garnish the salad. Otherwise the toasted coconut will go soggy. —Carrie Hirsch, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Watermelon Cups

This lovely appetizer is well-nigh too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, ruby-red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Watermelon Sorbet

Summertime and watermelon go hand in paw. My melon sorbet is fresh, fruity and without the gluten and eggs yous get in many other frozen desserts. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

Frozen Watermelon Lemon Foam Tarts

These fruit tarts are and then refreshing on a hot summertime twenty-four hours! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients means they're easy to make, too. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania

Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing

A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois

Watermelon Feta Flag Salad

Our family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here's an all-American centerpiece that's truly red, white and blueish. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina

Watermelon Vodka Sorbet

This icy granita is a cooling please on a hot summer day. This is an adults only goody. You can use watermelon vodka for plain vodka if you lot like. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Watermelon Spritzer

Information technology couldn't go much easier than this brilliant spritzer! "Watermelon composite with limeade is absurd and refreshing. Information technology's a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summertime day." —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New United mexican states

How to Pick a Cantaloupe or Honeydew

To choose a cantaloupe or honeydew, starting time by checking the number of segments or dark furrows. The more than the better! So, give the melon a sniff where it was fastened to the vine. It should have a subtle, sweet smell but not a strong i (that's a sign of an over-ripe fruit).

Be sure to check the melon's color and tone. The best and sweetest cantaloupe should have gilt undertones. Similar the watermelon, a dull honeydew is a ripe honeydew.

Mojito Marinated Fruit

All the flavors of the popular mojito cocktail are featured in this fantastic salad. After you eat the fruit, you'll want to sip the luscious syrup! —Marcy Griffith, Excelsior, Minnesota

Cantaloupe A La Mode

This special dessert is a refreshing finale to a warm-weather meal. —Nancy Walker, Granite Urban center, Illinois

Absurd and Creamy Watermelon Pie

This simple pie is and so refreshing that it never lasts long on warm summertime days. Watermelon and a few convenience items make it a delightful dessert that doesn't take much try. —Velma Beck, Carlinville, Illinois

Juicy Watermelon Salad

This fruit salad has such a surprising nonetheless fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in xanthous, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan

Watermelon Gazpacho

This is a delightfully simple, elegant dish. Serve as a side or with pita and hummus for a meal. It's and so refreshing—guests will love it. —Nicole Deelah, Nashville, Tennessee

Cantaloupe Ice Pops

Your reminders to "eat your fruit" will finally stick in one case kids accept a lick of these mmm-melony snacks. A perfect utilize for overripe cantaloupe, these pops make a calorie-free dessert or salubrious between-repast refresher. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Spicy Watermelon Salsa

I threw this together after an overzealous trip to the farmers market! My family loved it from the offset bite. You tin serve information technology right away just the best flavor is achieved after letting the salsa rest in the refrigerator for a few hours. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas

Honeydew Lime Cooler

Serve up a frosty drinking glass of this citrusy blend of lime sherbet and honeydew melon for a real thirst-quencher. I like to sip this on warm afternoons, but it'southward equally skilful for breakfast or brunch. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

Minty Watermelon-Cucumber Salad

Capturing the fantastic flavors of summertime, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad volition be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario

Glazed Fruit Medley

The bootleg orangish dressing on this salad complements the fresh fruit flavors nicely. It's perfect for a spring or summer brunch.—Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta

Watermelon Rind Pickles

"Waste product non, want not" has always been smart advice—especially when it produces picked watermelon rind that'due south then refreshing. —Taste of Dwelling Test Kitchen

Frosty Watermelon Water ice

Hither's a fun twist on watermelon. Information technology'due south so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't accept to worry most seeds while you lot're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia

Colorful Fruit Kabobs

These luscious fruit kabobs are perfect every bit a summer appetizer, snack or side dish. The citrus glaze clings well and keeps the fruit looking fresh. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta

Ancho Garlic Steaks with Summer Salsa

The first time I tasted this, I was amazed how well the blueberries and watermelon went with the fiery steak. Use whatever fruits are in season and then yous can serve this someday. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut

Watermelon Cups

This lovely appetizer is virtually also pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Dwelling house Test Kitchen

Dear-Melon Salad with Basil

Put the taste of summer in your salad! Loaded with juicy cantaloupe and honeydew, and glazed with a sweet honey dressing, this dish volition be gone in minutes. Watermelon is a tasty addition, too. —Khurshid Shaik, Omaha, Nebraska

Strawberry Melon Fizz

Experimenting in the kitchen is fun for me. That'south how I came upwards with this recipe—I adapted information technology from recipes I got from friends for a melon ball handbasket and for a sparkling beverage. —Teresa Messick, Montgomery, Alabama

Spicy Shrimp & Watermelon Kabobs

My iii sons can polish off a watermelon in i sitting. Before they dig in, I set aside a few slices to brand these zesty shrimp kabobs. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas

Tangy Watermelon Salad

The refreshing blend of watermelon, blood-red onions and a splash of citrus ever does me proud at picnics and potlucks. I like to fix information technology a mean solar day ahead so the flavors take a risk to alloy, and I use the rind equally a colorful serving basin. If you're brusque on time, but substitute any bottled citrus vinaigrette. —Alisha Duncan, Blanchard, Oklahoma

Summertime Tea Sandwiches

These dainty finger sandwiches are perfect for coincidental picnics or luncheons. Tarragon-seasoned craven complements cucumber and cantaloupe slices. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Watermelon Shark

Have a bite out of summer boredom with this kid-friendly food projection. —Taste of Home Exam Kitchen

Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream Tarts

These fruit tarts are then refreshing on a hot summer day! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients ways they're easy to make, too. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania

Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea

I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful mode to utilize it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California

Cool Watermelon Pops

The kids are going to flip for the miniature chocolate fries in these picture-perfect pops. They're nearly too cute to eat (but you'll be glad yous did). —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mint Watermelon Salad

I invented this refreshing fruit salad one sultry afternoon while my friends were gathered around my pool. Information technology was quick to prepare and disappeared from their plates even quicker. Fifty-fifty the kids loved information technology! —Antoinette DuBeck, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Creamy Cantaloupe Pops

I make these delicious pops when the melons are ripening speedily in our cantaloupe patch.—Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota

Fresh Fruit Bowl

The glorious colors of the fruit make this a festive salad. Slightly sweet and chilled, it makes a nice accompaniment to a grilled entree. —Marlon Kirst, Troy, Michigan

Tandoori-Mode Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish

Nosotros all demand a quick meal that'south deliciously salubrious. I marinate the craven before I exit for work, and when I get home, I grill the craven and make the savour. My husband loves the spicy season. To amp up the heat, add together more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Yellow Squash & Watermelon Salad

I always savour taking this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people really seem to capeesh it. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois

Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad

For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an like shooting fish in a barrel salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add together cypher, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

Watermelon and Tomato plant Salad

You cannot beat this lite and refreshing salad on hot summer days. The combination of watermelon, cilantro, lime and tasty heirloom tomatoes is but unusual enough to keep folks commenting on the great flavor—and coming back for more! —Exist Jones, Brunswick, Missouri

Cucumber-Melon Smoothies

My cool honeydew and cucumber smoothie has merely 5 ingredients. I sometimes add a pocket-size avocado to make it extra creamy.—Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota

Summer Splash Craven Salad

When it's too hot to swallow inside, I caput out to the patio. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss with mango, watermelon and grapes for an ooh-ahh salubrious craven salad. —Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, California

Watermelon Vodka Sorbet

This icy granita is a cooling delight on a hot summer 24-hour interval. This is an adults only goody. You can use watermelon vodka for plain vodka if you lot like. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Melon with Serrano-Mint Syrup

This is just ane of the recipes I developed to take reward of the fresh mint I grow nearly year-round. The serrano pepper is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the syrup and salad. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas

Melon-Drupe Salad

The all-time way to cool down on a warm twenty-four hours is with a chilled fruit salad. Serve this 1 for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Yogurt and coconut milk make the creamy dressing even more corrupt. Wait until just before serving to garnish the salad. Otherwise the toasted kokosnoot volition go soggy. —Carrie Hirsch, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Sonoran Sunset Watermelon Ice

If you didn't think watermelon and cilantro could get together in a dessert, this recipe volition exist a pleasant surprise! Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and a sprig of cilantro on acme for actress flair. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade

The diet section at my local infirmary inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this potable full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Blueberry Cantaloupe Salad

The simple citrus and poppy seed dressing in this fruit medley really dresses upward the refreshing mix of berries and melon. —R. Jean Rand, Edina, Minnesota

Minty Watermelon Salad

My 4-year-quondam twin grandchildren love to cook in the kitchen with me. Last summer, the three of us were experimenting with watermelon and cheese, and that's where this recipe began. It'south astonishing for picnics, at neighborhood gatherings or as a healthy snack on a hot summer day. —Gwendolyn Vetter, Rogers, Minnesota

Watermelon and Spinach Salad

Summer's the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never look it, but spinach is crawly here. Consume it and experience cool on fifty-fifty the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii

Exercise Some Heavy Lifting

Before you make your terminal decision, selection upwardly the melon and make sure it feels heavy for its size. Compare a few similar-sized melons to find the heftiest one. If at that place's a stem, information technology should not be squishy-soft but should yield to gentle force per unit area from your thumb. If there's no stem, cheque the blossom cease (that's the opposite end) the same manner.

No matter which melon is on the menu, taking the time to utilize all of your senses volition yield juicy results!

Psst… Run across what melon keeps ripening after you purchase it—and what melon doesn't.

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-tell-if-a-melon-is-ripe/

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