Description
- The wax gourd, also known as the winter melon, is an annual plant with a high yield potential.
- The fruits are ovoid, similar in shape to melons, although the flesh is white, crisp and less sweet than that of a melon, while the rind is green and covered with a thick waxy bloom, which gives the fruit a long shelf life after harvesting.
- The young fruit can be eaten in the same way as courgettes or cucumbers, either fresh or in a variety of dishes.
- It should be noted that, although it is called the winter melon, this does not mean that it can be grown in winter, but rather that it keeps very well through the winter in rooms where the temperature does not fall below 0 degrees.
- The fruit is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional Asian medicine to treat digestive complaints and to help detoxify the body.
- This crop adapts readily to different soil types and is relatively easy to look after, requiring a well-lit position and moderate irrigation. Growing on a trellis or other supports is recommended in order to maximise the fruits' exposure to light.