The skin changes from bright green to a creamy yellow or pale ivory color
The rind looks smooth and slightly waxy rather than shiny
The blossom end gives slightly when pressed gently
The melon feels heavy for its size
The melon has a sweet, mild fragrance at the blossom end
The stem end is slightly soft and not green or moist
The melon sounds dull, not hollow, when tapped
The surface has a uniform color with no green patches
The melon is firm overall but not hard as a rock
The netting or texture on the rind appears well developed