The skin has a creamy beige or golden color, not green
The rind looks slightly rough and netted, not shiny
The blossom end gives a little when pressed gently
It has a sweet, fragrant smell at the stem end
It feels heavy for its size
The stem end is slightly soft or has a clean, dry scar
There are no soft spots, cracks, or mold
The cantaloupe sounds dull rather than hollow when tapped