Robbie Sigona’s Produce Tips: Local Cantaloupe

• Press very gently on the end opposite the stem end, there should be a slight give.

• For melons with ribs or netted flesh like the cantaloupe, look for pronounced ridges and netting and distinct color variation, more importantly smell it. It should have a pleasant, sweet smell.

• Once you get the melon home store it at room temperature until fully ripe then refrigerate it.

• Once cut, a melon needs to be refrigerated. Leave the seeds in any unused portions to maintain moisture. For optimal flavor let chilled melons come to room temperature before eating.

• When selecting cantaloupe, look for a nice gold colored cast (or rind).

• Cantaloupes should be heavy for their size.

• Look for the “full slip” on the stem end, meaning there is a clean, smooth indentation. This shows that the fruit was fully ripe and ready to be picked and came off easily when pulled from the vine.

Robbie Sigona is our produce buyer. He works with local farmers and scours the market for the very best in fresh fruits and vegetables — some you won’t find anywhere else.