Produce Highlight: The Mysterious Winter Melon

Melons in the winter you say?! Yes, it’s true! Also commonly known as the wax gourd (among many other names – ash gourd, white gourd, wax gourd, and the “Chinese preserving melon,” to name a few), this interesting specimen grows during summer and fall, and then pops up every year around winter to be eaten. But what is it? What does it taste like? And what the heck do you do with it? Keep reading to find out (and then head to the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market this Saturday to grab one for yourself)!

Look and Taste

The winter melon is a large fruit grown in warm climates. It can grow to be over one foot long and weigh over 40 pounds! It looks a bit similar to a large watermelon, with its oblong shape and dark green, waxy skin. Though the look and texture are similar to that of a watermelon, the inside of the flesh and seeds are white and cannot be eaten raw. Before the winter melon has matured, the outside of the fruit is fuzzy. Once it matures, it loses its hair and gets that signature white, waxy coating. Also unlike a watermelon, the fresh melon doesn’t taste sweet. It is very mildly flavored. Because of their large size, you can often find it sold by the slice.

How to Use It

This winter melon is typically used for cooking savory dishes, including soups and stews. The white flesh will turn very soft and absorb flavor easily as it’s cooked. Since it has little flavor, it’s best to season it with strong herbs and spices. Cubed or sliced, winter melon can be steamed, simmered, braised, or parboiled and added to stir-fries. It can also be pickled or diced and candied. Winter melon is also used in sweets, such as Chinese wife cake, also called sweetheart cake, in the Indian treat petha, and in curries. Whole winter melons will keep in a cool place for months and likely up to a year.

Where it’s From

Winter Melon is used most extensively in Chinese cuisine. Although winter melon is popular in China, it was originally cultivated in Egypt. It was introduced to Europe during the Renaissance. Today, this melon is cultivated throughout the world and is grown in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. 

You can find winter melon right now at the Chico Saturday Farmers’ Market!