Melon season will soon be upon us. It is so disappointing to buy what looks like a great melon, take it home, and discover that it isn’t ripe enough to enjoy. Be prepared that after purchasing a melon you may need to allow it to ripen at room temperature. Melons are ripe when there is a softening at the blossom end and an aroma of ripe melon. Ripe melons should be stored in the refrigerator below 40 degrees F until ready to serve. They will not continue to ripen after being refrigerated.
Wash melons thoroughly with tap water before cutting. A vegetable brush is helpful for melons with netting. Even though you will not be eating the skin of the melon, the knife used to slice it will cut through both the melon rind and flesh. This can possibly contaminate the melon if there is bacteria left on the outside of the melon that contacts the melon flesh during cutting.
Always use a clean, sanitized knife and cutting board and wash and sanitize again after using.
Discard cut melon portions that have been at room temperature for four hours or longer.
Now prepare to enjoy all the fresh melon available at the store.
