A Simple Guide for Sweet Success
How to Choose the Best Melon:
Whether you're slicing up a juicy watermelon for a summer BBQ or serving fresh cantaloupe in one of our signature fruit bouquets, knowing how to pick the perfect melon makes all the difference. At Can-Dine Inc., we believe in celebrating freshness, and that starts at the grocery store or farmer’s market.
In this article, we’ll show you how to choose the best melon every time. Let’s break it down by type and learn how to shop like a pro.
How to Choose the Best Watermelon
Watermelon is a crowd-pleaser—but a bland one can be a letdown. Use these tips:
1. Look for the Field Spot
The creamy yellow spot (where it rested on the ground) should be rich in colour. A deep yellow or even orange spot means the melon had time to ripen on the vine.
2. Knock for a Hollow Sound
Tap the melon. A ripe one will sound deep and hollow, like a drum. Dull thuds = underripe or overripe.
3. Check the Webbing
A little brown “webbing” (sugar scars) means the melon is sweet! It’s caused by bees pollinating the flower.
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4. Uniform Shape & Size
Avoid irregular lumps. A symmetrical shape usually means even ripening.
How to Choose the Best Cantaloupe​
Cantaloupes are tricky—but the smell is your secret weapon.
1. Smell the Stem End
A sweet, floral aroma at the stem end is a good sign. No scent = no flavour.
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2. Check the Netting
Look for raised, well-defined netting on a golden background. Green skin underneath? It’s not ready yet.
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3. Press the Blossom End
A gentle press at the bottom should give just a little. Too soft = overripe; rock hard = underripe.
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How to Choose the Best
Honeydew Melon​
Honeydew melons ripen off the vine, so picking the right one is key.
1. Look for a Creamy Colour
Avoid green-skinned honeydews. You want a creamy yellow or pale colour all over.
2. Heavy for Its Size
A ripe honeydew should feel dense and weighty in your hands—heavier means juicier.​
3. Smooth & Slightly Waxy
The skin should feel slightly sticky or waxy, which means the sugars have developed.
Bonus Tip:
Local Melons Taste Better
When in doubt, buy local. Melons grown in your region (especially during peak season) tend to be fresher, sweeter, and picked closer to ripeness. At Can-Dine Inc., we love supporting Ontario farms, and you can taste the difference in every bite.
Final Thoughts:
How to Tell If a Melon is Ripe
Still unsure? Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Smells sweet
✅ Feels heavy
✅ Has a dull, matte surface (shiny = underripe)
✅ Gives slightly at the blossom end (not the stem!)
✅ Has consistent colour and shape
Trust your senses. With a little practice, you’ll be picking melons like a pro—and serving the sweetest slices all summer long.