Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Just as the name suggests, winter melons are available during the winter season.
Current Facts
Known by several names, winter melon is called tung qwa, dong gua and doan gwa in China; sufed kaddu, petha and lauki in India; togan in Japan; fak in Thailand; wax gourd; white gourd; and winter gourd. It is the fruit of the Asian vine Benincasa hispida and is used most extensively in Chinese cuisine.
Description/Taste
Winter melons are perhaps the largest cold season melons. They can measure 15 inches in diameter and can weigh in excess of thirty pounds at maturity. They are most often marketed by the slice due to their extreme size. Winter melons first impression is a hard, thin, chalky pistachio colored skin with a waxy feel. Its snow white flesh is mild flavored with a similar water rich texture of a watermelon. It bears a large seed cavity that takes up a considerable amount of the flesh.
Applications
Cubed or sliced, winter melon can be steamed, simmered, braised or parboiled and added to stir-fries. Best used in soups, season this rather mild and bland melon with strong spices and herbs. Winter melon are suitable for pickling and may be diced and candied. Whole melons keep in a cool place for months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Winter melon is most acclaimed as the ingredient in the Chinese soup known as tung qwa chung or dong gwa jong, or Winter Melon Pond. This famous soup consists of a rich chicken broth that is cooked and served in the skin of the winter melon. The skin of the winter melon is elaborately carved with motifs such as the mythical dragon and phoenix.
Geography/History
Winter melons grow best in warm weather with maximum sunshine. The winter melon is an ancient food staple of China and was first cultivated in ancient Egypt. Introduced into Europe during the Renaissance, today this melon is cultivated throughout the world. It is grown in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australia.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Winter Melon. One
is easiest, three is harder.
