Selma Roth wrote:
>
> It’s important to buy a fully ripe cantaloupe if possible, because once
> they have been picked they won’t get any sweeter. They should be round
> and pale yellow, and feel heavy for their size. If they have any green
> color they are not ripe. There shouldn’t be any stem, but there will be
> a scar where it was attached to the plant. If the melon was picked when
> it was mature, the stem end will be smooth with no roughness around the
> scar. Press your thumb lightly on the blossom end; it should make a
> slight indentation. Overall softness or large bruises will affect the
> quality of the fruit. When all this checks out, the final step is to
> smell it on the blossom end. It should have a sweet smell, like you
> would want it to taste.

You didn't mention it's important not to eat it
all in one bite, otherwise you might choke on it.
Whaddya tryin' to do, kill somebody?