Look for a creamy yellow field spot
Choose a dull, not shiny, rind
Check for a symmetrical shape
Pick one that feels heavy for its size
Tap it and listen for a deep, hollow sound
Look for dry, brown tendril near the stem
Avoid cuts, bruises, or soft spots
Prefer a firm rind that resists pressure
Look for sugar webbing or brown scarring on the rind
Choose one with a uniform color and no green-white underside