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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
The Moqua fruit has the initial appearance of a faintly spotted cucumber or zucchini. Its skin is true-green layered with a fine fuzzy coating when the fruit is still young. The fruit should be harvested immature when the flesh is still medium-crisp and creamy white. Moqua's flesh has a very delicate flavor with a sweet finish and aroma. Its delicate flavor allows it to take on the flavors of the ingredients with which it is cooked. Once mature, the fruit loses its fuzzy sheath; it is replaced with a waxy coating and the flesh is no longer succulent or sweet. Its mature fruit can be stored up to 12 months, much like a winter melon.
Seasons/Availability
Moqua is available year-round.
Current Facts
Moqua has many other vernacular names including fuzzy melon, winter melon and winter gourd. It is a member of the cucurbit family (cucumber), hence its fruits sprout from sprawling vines. The plant is cultivated for its fruit, however, its leaves, shoots and tendrils can be used as cooking or salad greens.
Applications
Moqua can be used like a young summer squash or zucchini. It can be eaten raw, sautéed, stewed, roasted and fried. Its mellow flavor makes it a great companion vegetable to bolder flavored ingredients and rich proteins. The skin should be scrubbed before using, to remove its fuzzy coating. More creative fruit-driven applications include making a sweet fruit drink with Moqua, enhancing it with caramelized sugar. Moqua can also be dried and preserved as a jam.
Geography/History
Moqua is native to Southeast Asia and prefers very warm climates and growing temperatures. It grows throughout both South and East Asia, including China, India and Taiwan.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Moqua. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Delicious Asian Food |
|
Hairy Gourd Soup |
| Cilantro |
|
Paal Curry / Stew with Fuzzy Melon |
| Umami Girl |
|
Hairy Gourd Bread |
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Moqua using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
99 Ranch Market
Near San Diego, CA, United StatesAbout 438 days ago, 7/14/17 Spotter's comments : Moqua spotted at 99 Ranch Market. 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St. Suite 150, San Diego 92110 619-295-3172 About 447 days ago, 7/05/17 Spotter's comments : Moqua spotted at Specialty Produce. First of the local grown. |
