Consumers have come to expect cantaloupes of medium size, round to slightly oblong, nearly covered with net and a slight aroma.  Most cantaloupes are grown in California and are of the Hales Best variety.  At present the top varieties are Top Mark and PMR 45.

Select a Cantaloupe by smelling the soft stem end, sweetness means ripeness. choose larger than smaller with sand colored netting on the rind that should stand out in bold relief all over the surface.