Santa Claus Melons The Santa Claus melon, sometimes known as Christmas melon or Piel de Sapo, is 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, that can be as sweet as honeydew melons. The melon should be slightly soft, especially on the ends, and should be washed, split in half length-wise, and its seeds spooned out. It is similar to a canteloupe on the inside.

Storage
» Store immediately covered or protected in the warmest part of the walk-in cooler. Santa Claus melon are very susceptible to damage from too cold environments. Chill damage will cause the flesh to become soft and mealy.
» Store exposed product away from drafts from the cooler fan. Always keep melons in a protected environment.
» Santa Claus melon are ethylene producers. Store away from vegetables that are ethylene sensitive.
» Do not stack product on top of the cases or cause the melons to be crushed.
» Remove any melons with damage or that begin to mold immediately.

Handling
» Follow good rotation practices, first shipments received should be used first.
» Avoid dropping the case or rough handling.
» Santa Claus melon have an expected shelf life of 5-6 days. Plan to rotate frequently to maintain maximum quality.
» Avoid placing Santa Claus melon on non-sanitized kitchen counter tops to help prevent the potential for cross contamination. Always use sanitized, sharp knives to prep.

Preparation
» Try to use the entire melon in the prep process. Refrain from storing partially used melons.
» Santa Claus melon are field packed. Always give the melons a thorough cold water rinse and cleansing in a sanitary sink and drain well immediately prior to cutting.
» Store prepared product in refridgerator.