The rind changes from bright green to a creamy yellow or pale golden color
The skin looks smooth and slightly waxy, not dull or overly shiny
The blossom end gives slightly when pressed gently
The melon feels heavy for its size
The surface has a subtle sweet fragrance, especially near the stem end
The stem end is slightly soft or has a clean, dry scar
The melon sounds dull or low-pitched when tapped
The rind is free of major green patches
The melon has a uniform shape without soft spots or cracks