The Santa melon is a Christmas fruit that looks like a small watermelon on the outside but is more like a cantaloupe on the inside. It is ripe in December and can be tested for ripeness by firmness, color, and smell. It can be stored in the refrigerator and should be inspected for freshness before eating.
A Santa melon often looks like a small watermelon on the outside, but is more like a cantaloupe on the inside. These Christmas melons are normally ripe in December, so you should try to buy one during this time if possible. One way to determine the ripeness of the fruit would be to test the firmness of the melon to make sure it is neither too soft nor too hard. The color of the melon can also be an indicator of when this fruit is ripe and ready to eat. A good melon will have a somewhat sweet smell that is not overpowering.
This melon is normally ready to be harvested in late November or early December each year, which is why it is called Santa Claus melon. If you were to find these Christmas melons in a supermarket at other times, the fruit is likely underripe or overripe. If they are slightly underripe, they can be placed on a kitchen counter and allowed to ripen naturally. These melons are good keepers, often lasting New Year’s Day when stored in the refrigerator.
By taking your thumb and pressing down on both ends of the Santa melon, you can get a feel for the firmness of the melon. A perfectly ripe melon will give a little bit each time you press it, but you shouldn’t be able to press the rind. If the peel does not give at all, it is not yet ripe, but if a slight indentation is left, the melon is ideal for eating.
Another way to determine which melon to buy is to look at the color of the melon. Like watermelons, a Santa melon is dark green and yellow on the outside. In general, a ripe Santa melon will have darker spots than one that is not yet ripe. Look for one with dark gold markings, as this is an indicator that the fruit is ready to pick and eat.
After opening a Santa melon, you should remove the seeds from the center of the fruit. This is a good time to inspect the meat to make sure it’s neither too tough nor too soft. Once you open the melon, you may notice a slight melon-like aroma. This should be a very light odor, as a strong odor could be an indication that the fruit is past its peak freshness.
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