How to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe

A ripe cantaloupe slips easily off the vine, and its skin has turned yellow instead of solid green.

• The melon separates easily from the vine when you put pressure on it where the vine attaches.
• The skin shows yellowing instead of the solid green of an immature melon.
• The fruit gives off a musky fragrance.
• The end of the fruit opposite the vine attachment is soft.