Melon Rockmelon Large Each

A whole rockmelon is one of the great summer buys. Generous, fragrant, and deeply sweet when it is right, it is the fruit that earns its place at the table for everything from breakfast to dessert. The large size means plenty to go around.

Rockmelons are at their best in summer, from December through February, when warm growing conditions drive the sugar content to its peak. That is the time to buy them.

Look for rockmelons with a strong, sweet melon fragrance at the stem end and a slight give when pressed at the top. The skin should have a well-developed golden netting pattern. Avoid any that are very hard with no fragrance, or that feel very soft and watery.

Slice and eat fresh, cube into a fruit salad, wrap with prosciutto, blend into a chilled gazpacho-style soup, or serve in wedges with a squeeze of lime. One of the best summer fruits for a crowd.