How can you tell if a watermelon is not good anymore?

Answer 1

In order to choose a cantaloupe that is ripe, the first thing you should do is smell it. When a cantaloupe is ripe, it will give off a sweet smell that smells, well, like a cantaloupe.

The outer rind will be golden/orange in color. If the cantaloupe is not quite ripe, the rind will be a green color.

You should also gently squeeze the cantaloupe. A ripe fruit will be soft, but not too soft (as this is a sign of it being over ripe). Start by squeezing at the end opposite the stem as this area will get soft first.

Lastly, keep in mind that cantaloupe continue to ripen after you purchase them. If you let an unripe cantaloupe sit for a few days at room temperature, it should ripen within a few days.

Answer 2

Smell it. It will smell a little like alcohol. Also if you find soft spots on it even if it doesn't yet smell it's probably going bad. Sometimes you can just cut off the soft spots and salvage some of the melon.