| How can I tell when a cantaloupe is ready to pick or ripe? |
| The melons begin to change color and actually smell ripe, but in addition to that they will break off with a gentle twist -- if you look carefully at the stem you will see cracks circling it and the stem will look shriveled. If you can let the melon sit (on the kitchen counter, not in the field) for about a day after you've picked it the flavor will be even better. |
