To pick a good cantaloupe, follow these expert tips:

• Look at the color: Choose a cantaloupe with a golden yellow or beige color. Avoid greenish melons, as they are not ripe yet

• Feel the rind texture: The rind should have a rough, netted texture. A smooth rind usually means the melon is underripe

• Check the stem end (the "belly button"): The stem scar should be an indentation ("innie") where the stem naturally slipped off, indicating ripeness. It should be slightly soft but not mushy

• Smell the melon: The cantaloupe should have a sweet, musky aroma, especially near the stem end. If there is little or no scent, the melon is likely underripe

• Pick it up and feel the weight: A ripe cantaloupe feels heavy for its size, which indicates juiciness

• Look for sun spots: Some sun spots on the rind are a good sign that the melon has been ripening on the vine

In summary, a good cantaloupe is golden yellow with rough netting, has a soft indented stem scar, smells sweet and musky, feels heavy, and may have sun spots from ripening on the ground. Avoid greenish color, smooth rind, no aroma, or light weight as these indicate underripe fruit