Information about Fruits: Melons, Cantaloupes, and Watermelons

About melons including cantaloupes, honeydews, and watermelons, information about the fruit, production, history and varieties in the world.

FRUITS OF THE EARTH

Melons

Native to tropical Africa, they are presently grown all over the U.S. and South America. Melons are refreshing when eaten in hot weather.

Cantaloupe or Muskmelon. A ripe cantaloupe has a coarse and prominent netting on the outside and a smooth stem end. It should smell sweet and yield gently to finger pressure.

Honeydew'. Should be yellowish-cream in color and have a sweet smell. If it is smooth and hard, shiny, or rind is dead white or has a greenish tinge, it is not ripe.

Watermelon. A ripe watermelon sounds hollow when tapped. Look for a slightly yellowish or amber-colored underside.