Next, lift it. Among melons of similar size, the one that feels unexpectedly heavy is more likely to be full of juice. If a bit of stem remains, a dry, brownish stem can hint that it finished ripening before harvest. None of these signs alone is perfect, but together they dramatically raise your odds. Once you’ve chosen, chill it well, slice it open, and let that first sweet bite confirm that those extra few seconds at the market were worth it.