Flesh should be soft, creamy white, sweet and juicy. Ripeness is indicated by a yellow rind color and slight softening at the blossom end. It has a slightly wrinkled stem end and averages 4 to 6 pounds. The skin is golden at the peak of ripeness. It is similar to cantaloupe.
Melons are round at the base coming to a point at the stem end.
They have a gold and green rind that is smooth with no netting and little ribbing. When ripe, the rind begins to soften at the large end. At full maturity the skin turns golden, and the fruit produces a rich melon aroma. The winter melon, grown for its thick white flesh, is used for Chinese-style soup and cooking. There are tow types - round and oblong.