How do you store cantaloupe to ripen it?

Cantaloupes do not continue to ripen after being picked, so it's important to choose a cantaloupe that is already ripe when you buy it. A ripe cantaloupe will have a fragrant, sweet aroma, a creamy yellow-orange hue, and slight give when gently squeezed.

If you can’t find a fully ripe cantaloupe, it is possible to store unripe cantaloupes at room temperature until they ripen further (up to 4-5 days), but note that they must sit at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator to continue ripening effectively. Placing unripe cantaloupe inside a paper bag along with another piece of ripe fruit such as an apple or banana, which release ethylene gas and may help further enhance the ripening process.