Melon season is in full swing and the honeydew melons that just arrived in the store are delicious. So sweet and juicy—you can’t get better than this.

How to pick a Honeydew Melon

1. Check that your melon is free of bruises, soft spots, moldy patches, and cracks.
2. Choose a melon with a dull-looking appearance. A shiny outside is an indicator of an underripe melon. Also, honeydews should be pale yellow to light lemon in color, not overly green.
3. Choose a melon that’s heavy for its size.
4. Push your fingers on the round section where the vine was attached. Check that it is slightly soft.
5. The best honeydews smell fresh and fragrant with a hint of sweetness.

Recipes
Honeydews are wonderful eaten straight with a spoon. And with a little extra effort, there are some fun desserts that highlight the flavor of the fruit.

One favorite is a Honeydew Slushie…and it just takes minutes!
Freeze 2 cups of cubed honeydew melon and then blend it with 2 cups of water. Add a tablespoon of honey, and blend to incorporate. That’s it. You can garnish with fresh mint leaves if you wish. It is good to serve in a glass with both a spoon and a straw (for the bottom). We have no doubt that a splash of vodka would be a festive addition on a hot day.

Honeydew and Coconut Milk Dessert
Yields 8 small or 4 generous servings

This is simple, elegant, and refreshing. The perfect dessert for when you want something light and flavorful. It is best when you find that perfect melon.

Ingredients
1 can well-stirred unsweetened coconut milk
3 tablespoons superfine sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 large honeydew melon (about 5 pounds), chilled

Directions
Stir together the coconut milk, sugar, and lime juice in a small metal bowl until all the sugar is dissolved. Set your metal bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice and cold water to quick-chill, stir occasionally (about 6 minutes).

While the coconut milk mixture is chilling, cut the melon in half and discard the seeds. Slice the melon into 1/2-inch cubes or scoop with a melon ball cutter.

Divide melon among your serving dishes, then pour the cooled coconut milk mixture over top. Serve immediately.

Do ahead
It is important to put the ripe melon in the fridge and give it plenty of time to chill. You can also mix up the coconut milk, sugar, and lime in advance and place it in the fridge earlier in the day.