We investigated the prolongation of freshness and quality during storage of muskmelons harvested at different times and treated with 1-MCP. The weight loss rate increased in all samples as the storage period was extended, although the weight loss of 1-MCP-treated samples was lower than that of controls, regardless of the degree of maturation. Additionally, the hardness of 1-MCP-treated samples was higher than that of controls, again independent of maturation stage. Specifically, 1-MCP treatment delayed softening of muskmelons, as 1-MCP- treated samples showed a high hardness value after 22 days of storage, whereas hardness of control samples decreased rapidly after 10 days. The soluble solid level in muskmelons harvested 92 days after planting was $14.3^{circ}$ Brix, whereas that of fruit harvested after 90 days was $12.7^{circ}$ Brix. There was no significant difference in the acidity of 1-MCP-treated samples and controls after 7 days of storage, although the acidity of 1-MCP-treated fruit was greater than that of controls after 13 days, regardless of the degree of maturation. The L-values (lightness) of 1-MCP treated samples were higher than those of controls for the first 10 days of storage, but the reverse was true after 13 days of storage. The b-values (yellowness) were high in control fruits during the initial period of storage, but greater in 1-MCP treated samples after 19 days of storage. The respiration rate of 1-MCP treated samples was lower than that of controls, regardless of the degree of maturation. Sensory evaluation revealed that the texture of control fruit decreased as storage time rose, whereas that of 1-MCP-treated samples did not fall until 28 or 34 days of storage (p<0.05). Overall acceptability based on a marketable score of 5 points showed that 1-MCP-treated muskmelons scored higher than controls, and remained fresher on storage.