How to pick the perfect rockmelon

Summer is just around the corner and you know what that means… delicious, sweet fresh fruit! But there is nothing more heartbreaking than slicing into a juicy melon you have just brought home to find it hard and flavourless. Selecting the perfect rockmelon can be a little tricky but follow the steps below to make sure you always select a ripe and delicious melon.

INSPECT
A rockmelon should be beige, sandy gold, or creamy yellow with a very faded green undertone. Try and avoid very green melons as green = unripe. A good sign is a large, smooth yellowish spot or patch on the surface. This is where the rockmelon was resting in the field and can indicate that the melon is ripe.

CHECK THE STEM
The stem end should appear round, smooth, and slightly concave (indented). You shouldn't see any part of the stem still attached, as a ripe melon will naturally detach from its stem. Any bit of a stem attached means that the farmer cut off the melon too soon.

WEIGHT
Weight means it has a better sugar and water content, which usually means a richer and sweeter fruit. The heavier, the better!

FEEL IT
A good rockmelon should feel firm all over, but not rock hard. Gently give the base of the melon a press with your thumb - it should give a little, but not too much. Be on the lookout for any soft spots, these can be a sign that the melon is starting to fall apart on the inside and equals a mushy fruit salad.

TAP IT
Hold the melon and gently flick it with your fingers or you tap with your knuckle. If it sounds like it echoed or sounded a little hollow, then that’s a good sign!

SMELL IT
Give the base of the melon a good whiff - it should have a subtle sweet smell. If the smell is too overbearing or smells slightly fermenting then the melon is overripe.

Pick out your perfect rockmelon at South Bunbury Marketplace at our everyday low price of only $1.99 each!