One of the best things about summer is that melons are in season and affordable. It’s so nice to enjoy chilled watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe on a hot day.

Here are a few tips on how to pick great melons this summer.

Watermelon

Give watermelon the thump test. If you hear a good ‘thunk’ like you are hitting a solid piece of wood, then you have picked a winner. Also, the melon should be mostly green.

Avoid watermelons with big white patches.

Honeydew

Give honeydew the traction test. If you rub your fingers on the skin and you feel some traction, then it should be good. You also want to smell the blossom end to make sure the honeydew is fragrant and sweet.

Avoid honeydews that are slick to the touch because they aren’t ripe.

Cantaloupe

Give cantaloupe the smell test. If you sniff the blossom end and it smells sweet, then it should be ripe. You will also want to check the color. You want the melon to be more tan than green.

Avoid cantaloupes that smell musty.

Melons aren’t like peaches. They don’t really get ripe once they are off the vine.

If you follow these tips you should find some great melons at your local market this season.