MELONS

Pick a melon that is round to slightly oval in shape, and does not have bruises or overly soft spots. Color can range from light green to pale yellow. The best flavor is found at the stage where the surface yields to light thumb pressure.

Use honeydews for an hors d'oeuvres with prosciutto, in desserts or in soups. Serve halved honeydews filled with chicken, shrimp, tuna or seafood salad.

To ripen honeydews, place the whole melon inside a loosely closed paper bag. Once cut, honeydews won't ripen. For best results, store cut fruit or fully ripe whole honeydews in tightly sealed plastic bags inside your refrigerator.