Christmas Melon

A variety of melon that grows to approximately 1 foot in length and is oblong in shape. It has a thick outer green-striped rind with a pale green inner pulp that provides a mild melon flavor, generally not as sweet as honeydew melons. To check for ripeness, depress the blossom end of the melon, opposite the stem end, to make sure it is not hard and yields slightly when depressed. There will also be a slight color change as the outer skin begins to have a distinct yellow coloring. This melon can be stored for long periods of time, if it remains uncut. It is also known as the Santa Claus melon.