Honeydew is a sweet and refreshing type of melon that is a popular choice during the summer months. But how can you pick out a ripe and delicious honeydew at the store? Selecting a perfectly sweet honeydew can be a challenge if you don’t know what to look for.
Here is a guide to picking the best honeydew and knowing when it’s ready to enjoy.
Look for Indicators of Ripeness
The first step to finding a great honeydew is looking for signs that it’s ripe and ready to eat. Here are some things to look for:
- Color – A ripe honeydew will have a creamy yellow, pale green or white rind. Avoid melons with a greenish tint.
- Touch – Press gently on the rind. It should give slightly but not be too soft.
- Aroma – Sniff the bottom of the melon. It should smell sweet and honey-like.
- Stem – The stem scar near the top should look dried out and pale, not green.
- Weight – Pick up the melon. The heavier it feels for its size, the riper it is.
A honeydew that displays these characteristics is likely to be ripe and sweet. Pass on melons that feel stiff, look greenish or have a faint aroma.
Inspect the Rind
The rind or skin of a honeydew can also provide clues to ripeness. Here’s what to look for:
- Smoothness – The rind should be smooth and free of bruises, cuts and dents.
- Firmness – A ripe melon will feel slightly soft but still firm. Avoid melons with mushy spots.
- Color – Creamy yellow, pale greenish-white and bright white rinds signal ripeness.
- Waxiness – A waxy “bloom” coating on the rind is a good sign.
- Stickers – Don’t rely on stickers indicating ripeness. Check other signs first.
If the rind checks all these boxes, there’s a good chance the inner flesh will be ripe and delicious.
Size and Shape
Honeydews come in a few different sizes and shapes. Here are some tips on selecting the best melons based on their dimensions:
- Mini melons – About 2-3 pounds. Best for 1-2 servings.
- Medium melons – Around 4-5 pounds. Good for 3-4 servings.
- Jumbo melons – Up to 8 pounds. Ideal for large gatherings.
- Oval shape – Typically sweeter than round melons.
- Symmetrical – Avoid oddly shaped melons, which may be overripe.
For personal use, choose a mini or medium oval honeydew. Jumbo and round melons work well for crowds.
The Stem End
Inspect the area where the melon was attached to the vine. It should:
- Look dried out – Green stem ends mean underripe melons.
- Be free of cracks, mold and moistness – Signs of overripeness.
- Have a pleasant, sweet smell – Use your nose to test ripeness.
- Feel slightly soft – Gently press the end to test firmness.
If the stem end fails these checks, the honeydew is likely not at optimal ripeness. Keep searching for one with indications it’s ready to eat.
Listen for a Hollow Sound
You can use your sense of hearing to assess honeydew ripeness. Here’s how:
- Tap the side of the melon gently.
- A high-pitched, hollow sound means it’s ripe.
- A low, dense thud indicates underripeness.
- A very hollow, echoing sound may signal overripeness.
This technique takes some practice, but can help you hone in on perfectly ripe melons.
Ask for a Taste Test
If shopping at a farmers market or produce stand, you can ask the seller to slice open a melon for you. This lets you:
- Inspect the inner flesh – It should be pale green or cream-colored.
- Assess juiciness – Ripe melons appear very moist inside.
- Sample the flavor – Taste a slice for sweetness.
Firsthand experience of the melon’s texture, juice and flavor is the best way to gauge ripeness.
Check the Blossom End
The opposite end of the stem is called the blossom end. Checking this area can provide final confirmation of ripeness.
- Press gently – The end should give slightly but have some firmness.
- Look for a indented ring – This circle indicates peak ripeness.
- Avoid cracks or mold – These defects mean overripeness.
- Smell for sweetness – A ripe melon will smell very honey-like.
If the blossom end is supple, has a ring indent and smells sweet, you’ve got yourself a winning honeydew!
Know When In Season
Timing your honeydew purchase to when they’re in peak season can boost your chances of ripe, juicy melons. Here’s when they’re at their best:
- Summer – June through August
- Early fall – September and October
Shop for honeydews in summer and early autumn for optimal flavor, sweetness and texture.
Handle with Care
Once you’ve selected the perfect honeydew, be gentle with handling to avoid bruising. Here are some tips:
- Use two hands to lift melons.
- Avoid dropping or tossing the fruit.
- Place gently in your cart and bags.
- Cushion melons during transport.
Treat your honeydew with care so it remains in prime condition after purchase.
Ripen at Home
If your melon is underripe, you can ripen it at home:
- Store at room temperature – Don’t refrigerate unripe melons.
- Allow to sit for 2-4 days – Check daily until ripe.
- Place in a paper bag – Helps concentrate ethylene gas to speed ripening.
- Keep separated from other produce – Ethylene can overripen other fruits and veggies.
With some patience, an underripe melon can become sweet and ready to enjoy.
Optimal Storage
Maximize the shelf life of ripe honeydew with proper storage methods:
- Refrigerate ripe melons – This slows ripening and prevents spoilage.
- Use within 5-7 days – Honeydews don’t store as long as some other melons.
- Wrap in plastic – Creates a protective barrier against fridge odors.
- Avoid temperature dips – Don’t let melons get too cold.
Refrigeration gives you about a week to enjoy honeydews at their peak ripeness.
Monitor Cut Melons
Once honeydew is cut, it’s more prone to spoilage. Follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerate cut pieces – Cold temperatures help prevent bacterial growth.
- Seal in airtight containers – Locks in moisture and keeps out microbes.
- Eat within 3 days – Cut melons don’t keep as long as uncut.
- Never freeze – This negatively impacts honeydew’s texture.
For best quality and food safety, enjoy sliced honeydew promptly in the refrigerator.
Check for Mold
Mold is a common culprit of melon spoilage. Be on the lookout for:
- White or gray fuzzy spots – These quickly spread to ruin melons.
- Black velvety dots – Another type of mold to avoid.
- Discolored soggy regions – Indications mold has taken hold.
- Off odors – An unpleasant smell means spoilage.
At the first signs of mold development, discard melons. Mold can make honeydew dangerous to eat.
Signs of a Bad Melon
Here are some clear signals that a honeydew has gone bad:
- Very mushy or shriveled texture
- Strong sour or vinegar smell
- Leaking or cracked rind
- Juice with bubbly or frothy appearance
- Taste that’s bland, bitter or fermented
A rotten honeydew should be disposed since it can cause foodborne illness if eaten.
Typical Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical 170g serving of honeydew melon:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 64 | 3% |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 28mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 453mg | 13% |
| Carbs | 16g | 5% |
| Sugar | 14g | |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
Honeydew is low calorie, fat-free and high in potassium. It makes for a nutritious, hydrating snack or dessert.
Potential Health Benefits
Eating honeydew melon may offer these health perks:
- Hydration – Over 90% water content.
- Digestion – Fiber prevents constipation.
- Blood pressure – Potassium regulates blood pressure.
- Vision – Vitamin C, zeaxanthin and lutein promote eye health.
- Immunity – Vitamin C boosts the immune system.
- Skin health – Hydration and vitamin C keep skin glowing.
Honeydew provides important vitamins, minerals and hydration with relatively few calories.
Tips for Serving
Here are some great ways to eat ripe honeydew:
- Sliced raw – Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice.
- Fruit salads – Mix with other melons, berries and pineapple.
- Sorbets and smoothies – Blend into chilled, sweet treats.
- Kebabs – Alternate melon cubes with other fruit.
- Salsa – Combine with mango, onion and cilantro.
Try using fresh honeydew in place of high-calorie desserts for a lighter, refreshing option.
Choose Organic When Possible
Organic honeydews may have some advantages:
- No synthetic pesticides – Reduces ingestion of chemicals.
- Sustainable farming methods – Better for the environment.
- Potentially more nutrients – Less soil depletion may boost nutrition.
However, you can find tasty, nutritious conventional melons too. Go with the option that best fits your needs and budget.
Make Your Own Melonade
For a simple honeydew beverage, try this recipe:
- Purée 3 cups honeydew chunks in a blender.
- Strain through a mesh sieve into a pitcher.
- Stir in 2 cups water and 1/4 cup lime juice.
- Chill for 1 hour to let flavors blend.
- Pour over ice and garnish glasses with lime slices.
Adjust honeydew, water and lime juice to taste. Kids and adults alike will love this refreshing drink.
Conclusion
Selecting a perfectly ripe, juicy honeydew just takes a few simple tricks. Look for signs of ripeness in the rind’s texture, scent and coloring. Choose melons heavy for their size and check the stem and blossom ends. Handle honeydews gently, store properly and enjoy their sweet flavor and stellar nutrition. With this guide’s tips in mind, you’ll be a honeydew pro in no time!
