This orange-fleshed fruit is the most popular variety of melon in the U.S. How to ripen. Cantaloupe melon softens and becomes even more flavorful after spending a day or two on the counter. To determine whether it's ready to serve, smell the stem end of the fruit. It should have the sweet scent that makes it such a hit among fruit fans.How to store: Once it's ripe, cantaloupe is best kept in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.How to prep: Purists use the cantaloupe as a bowl, eating the pale...