posted 3 hours ago
In addition to the two clues you've mentioned, I also look for the tendril closest to the melon....it should be brown and dried out, rather than green and live. The sound clue is pretty subtle and takes some practice...it's a deep, resonant "thunk"; as contrasted to a high-pitched "plink" for a too-green one and a flat, watery sounding "thwack" for overripe. Going to a market and practicing on a bunch and taking home the most likely candidate is a good way to learn!