In cantaloupes, thick close netting on the rind indicates best quality. Cantaloupes are ripe when the stem scar is smooth and space between the netting is yellow or yellow green. They are best when fully ripe with fruity odor. Honeydews are ripe when rind has creamy to yellowish color and velvety texture. Immature honeydews are whitish green.
Ripe watermelons have some yellow color on the one side.
If melons are white or pale green on one side, they are not ripe. Smoother, thinner skins usually indicate more juice. Most skin marking do not affect quality. Orange with slight greenish tinge may be just as ripe as the fully colored ones. Light or greenish yellow lemons are more tart than the yellow ones.