Nearly all cantaloupe produced in California are from the Hale’s Best family of varieties. California is the largest domestic producer with Arizona and Texas also producing considerable amounts. Mexico and Central America ensure year round availability.

Choose cantaloupe that are well-shaped and nearly spherical in appearance, firm with no evidence of bruising and feels heavy for its size. Good netting or webbing should cover a creamy colored rind.

As cantaloupe are harvested by maturity and not size it is ideal for the cantaloupe to be ¾ to full slip. This refers to the point were the fruit was attached to the vine. There should be a clean separation with little to no piece of the vine remaining. If you choose a melon that is full slip you are choosing a fully mature melon.

Cantaloupe do ripen after harvest but do not increase in sugar content.

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