What is winter melon?
Known as “Vietnamese squash” or “Chinese watermelon“, the wax gourd is a creeping herbaceous plant grown mainly in East Asia, though it also thrives in Florida’s warm climate.
Biologically speaking, it is a fruit, but it is cooked and eaten as a vegetable in Chinese and Indian cuisines.
Its mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it popular in soups, drinks, and desserts. That versatility is what sets wax gourd apart: it can star in a main dish or serve as a light treat at the end of a meal.
Origins of winter melon
Wax gourd has been cultivated in China for more than 2,000 years. Although it is sometimes called “winter melon”, the name is misleading: it is neither a true melon nor a winter fruit. While it looks a bit like a melon, its flavor is closer to cucumber.
The winter reference comes from the pale, waxy coating and fine down on its skin. Grown in summer and autumn, wax gourd keeps for up to four months, so it is often eaten in winter, hence the nickname.
In China, the fruit is considered a “cooling” food, making it ideal for the hot, humid days typical of tropical Asia, where it originated.
Winter melon in cooking
As with most squashes, it is best to remove the skin, seeds, and the soft flesh surrounding them. The firmer flesh can then be cut into cubes or slices.
Steam it, braise it, stew it—the choice is yours. It can even be eaten raw. Wax gourd is often paired with bold herbs and spices that contrast with its mild flavor.
It is popular in soups and is also used to make sweets and drinks such as smoothies.
What does winter melon taste like?
Its herbaceous, refreshing notes are often compared to cucumber. When young, wax gourd is noticeably sweeter.
As it matures, the sweetness fades a little. The flesh remains crunchy and juicy and readily absorbs the flavors of whatever it is cooked with.
Where to buy wax gourd?
If you are curious to try it, wax gourd is available year round in most Asian grocery stores.
Because the fruit is quite large, it is often sold pre-cut. Whether you buy it whole or in sections, choose pieces that feel firm.
How to store winter melon?
Once harvested, wax gourds travel well and keep for a long time. Stored in a cool place, they can last up to a year. After cooking, however, they should be refrigerated and eaten within a few days.
