Myth: Thumping always tells ripeness Truth: A hollow sound can help, but it’s not foolproof. Combine it with other checks.
Myth: Shiny skin means it’s fresh Truth: A dull, matte finish usually means the melon is fully ripened on the vine.
Myth: Bigger is better Truth: Size doesn’t always mean sweetness. A medium-sized melon is often perfectly ripe and flavorful.
Myth: Perfect shape equals perfect taste Truth: Some odd-shaped melons are just as sweet. Uniform shape may just mean even growth—not better flavor.
Myth: Green stems are a good sign Truth: A dry, curly stem suggests the melon ripened naturally. Green can mean it was picked too early.
Myth: Dark green is always best Truth: Color can vary by variety. Don’t rely on shade alone—look for consistent color and skin quality.
Myth: Webbing looks bad Truth: Spider web-like markings often show the melon was pollinated well—meaning more sweetness!
Myth: You can’t tell without cutting it Truth: With practice—spot, sound, shape, and stem can all help you judge ripeness without slicing it open.