Smells sweet and fragrant at the stem end
Has a creamy beige or golden color under the netting
Feels slightly soft at the blossom end when gently pressed
Has a dry, tan stem scar where it was picked
Feels heavy for its size
Has a rough, raised netted skin
Gives off a ripe melon aroma without being overly mushy
Sounds slightly hollow when tapped
Avoids green skin, hard flesh, or a lack of smell
Avoids cracks, soft spots, or mold