A melon is a large, sweet fruit that grows on a vine close to the ground. Melons have thick rinds (tough outer skins) that protect the juicy flesh inside. The most common melons are watermelons, with their red or pink insides and dark green striped outsides, and cantaloupes, which have orange flesh and a netted tan rind. Honeydew melons have smooth, pale green skin and light green insides.

Melons originally came from Africa and Asia but now grow in warm climates around the world. They're actually related to cucumbers and squash, which explains why they grow on vines and have similar flowers. Farmers plant melons in spring, and the fruits spend all summer soaking up sunshine and water until they're ready to harvest.

The best way to tell if a melon is ripe depends on the type. A watermelon should sound hollow when you thump it. A cantaloupe should smell sweet at the stem end and feel slightly soft when you press it. Because melons are mostly water (watermelons are about 90% water!), they're incredibly refreshing on hot days. People eat them fresh, blend them into smoothies, or toss them in fruit salads.