Description
Muskmelons appear in solid or striped shades of white, tan, beige, yellow, grey-green, green, to orange, and the surface is either level or covered in sutures, giving the rind an indented to shallowly creased nature. Netted muskmelon varieties exhibit a raised, corky covering that envelops the melon’s entire exterior. The netting can be prominent or fine, contributing a rough feel, and smooth Muskmelon varieties should feel somewhat velvety rather than glossy. Underneath the surface, the flesh is orange, white, green, salmon, to pale yellow and is typically thick, fine-grained, and dense with an aqueous nature. Some Muskmelon varieties will be soft, tender, and succulent when ripe, while others will remain firmer with a subtly crisp consistency. The flesh also encases a central cavity filled with flat, tear-drop-shaped, tan seeds suspended by stringy white fibers. Select Muskmelons that emit a perfumed, musky aroma, feel heavy for their size, and have a slight give around the stem scar when ripe. They will also release a dull, low-pitched thud when tapped. Ripe Muskmelons are edible raw or cooked, and depending on the variety, the melons have a sweet, floral, musky, and honeyed taste or are milder in nature with subtly sweet, grassy, and watery flavors.
