The white melon, also known as winter melon, wax gourd, ash gourd, or Chinese preserving melon, is a popular type of melon grown in many parts of Asia. It gets its name from its white waxy exterior and mild sweet flavor. The white melon is used in savory dishes as well as desserts and drinks. Let’s take a closer look at this interesting and versatile melon.
Characteristics of White Melon
The white melon is a large, oblong fruit that typically ranges from 10 to 30 pounds in weight. Its rind is thick, smooth, and pale green to white in color. The rind turns yellow as the melon ripens. Inside, the flesh is white or pale green, crunchy, juicy, and mildly sweet.
Some key characteristics of the white melon include:
| Scientific Name | Benincasa hispida |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Origin | South and East Asia |
| Fruit Shape | Oblong, spherical or cylindrical |
| Rind Color | Pale green to white |
| Flesh Color | White or pale green |
| Flavor | Sweet and crunchy |
| Texture | Crisp and juicy |
The white melon is a warm season crop that requires high heat and humidity to grow well. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. The vines can spread over 15 feet and produce 20 or more fruits per plant under ideal conditions.
Culinary Uses
The white melon has a very mild, subtle sweetness that lends itself well to both savory and sweet dishes. Here are some of the most common ways it is used in cuisine:
– Soups – White melon is popular in Chinese soups and stews. It holds its shape well when cooked.
– Stir-fries – Slices or cubes of white melon are stir-fried with meat, seafood, or vegetables.
– Braises – White melon braised with soy sauce or oyster sauce makes a classic Chinese dish.
– Desserts – White melon is used in sweet soups, puddings, and drinks. It is often cooked with sugar.
– Beverages – The melon is juiced or pureed for smoothies, juices, and cooling drinks.
– Pickles – White melon rind is commonly pickled and served as a condiment.
– Candied – Candied white melon is a popular Chinese snack made by cooking melon in sugar syrup.
A few signature dishes utilizing white melon include winter melon soup, braised pork with winter melon, and tong sui, a Cantonese sweet soup. The melon’s mild flavor allows it to be very versatile in both savory and sweet recipes.
Health Benefits
The white melon is low in calories and offers a variety of nutrients and potential health benefits:
| High water content | Helps keep the body hydrated |
| Dietary fiber | Promotes digestion and heart health |
| Vitamin C | Boosts immunity and acts as an antioxidant |
| Cucurbitacins | Anti-inflammatory compounds that may protect against cancer |
| Flavonoids | Antioxidants that reduce inflammation |
With its high water and fiber content, the white melon can aid digestion, prevent constipation, and create a feeling of satiety. The melon’s antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Overall, the white melon offers hydration and important vitamins and minerals.
Availability
The white melon growing season typically runs from late spring through early fall. In the Northern hemisphere, it is generally harvest between June and October. In tropical regions, it can be grown year round.
Here is when you can expect to find fresh white melon in stores:
| Region | Months Available |
| China | June – October |
| Southeast Asia | April – November |
| India | July – January |
| United States | July – September |
Outside of its peak season, white melon may be purchased canned or frozen. The rind and seeds can also be purchased dried. Visit Asian supermarkets to find white melon out of season.
Selecting and Storing White Melon
When selecting a fresh white melon, look for fruits that feel heavy for their size with smooth, unblemished rinds free of mold or soft spots. Ripe melons will produce a hollow thud rather than a solid thump when tapped.
Uncut white melons can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. Once cut, they should be tightly wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 5 days. The flesh may begin to dry out over time but it will still be safe to eat.
For long term storage, white melon can be frozen, pickled, or canned. The rind is also commonly dried for use in soups and stews.
Popular Varieties
There are a few different botanical varieties of white melon grown around the world, including:
– Chinese winter melon – The most commonly cultivated variety. It has pale green skin turning cream/yellow at maturity. The flesh is crisp, juicy, and mildly sweet. Excellent for soups and stir-fries.
– Japanese white melon – Has bright, clean white skin and firm white flesh. Flavor is delicately sweet with a fine texture. Popular for tempura.
– Baby white melon – A smaller, immature winter melon often found in specialty markets. Size ranges from 2-6 pounds. Delicate flavor good for pickling.
– Thai white melon – Distinguished by its small size with smooth, glossy white rinds. Flesh is tender and used in Thai curries or eaten raw.
The Chinese winter melon is the most widely available due to its excellent storing abilities and mild, adaptable flavor. The smaller specialty melons offer more intense sweetness.
Preparation Tips
Preparing white melon properly is important to getting the best flavor and texture:
– Always wash the rind before cutting to remove dirt and bacteria. Scrub with a vegetable brush if needed.
– Cut off both ends, stand melon upright, and slice down the sides to remove the rind.
– Scoop out and discard the seeds and any spongy material around them.
– Cut the flesh into slices or cubes as desired for recipes.
– Soak cubes in salted water for 5-10 minutes to remove excess bitterness if using for stir-fries or braises.
– Cook only until just tender-crisp to maintain the melon’s crunchy texture.
– Add sugar, salt, seasonings, or sauces to complement its subtle flavor.
With its mild taste and crunchy texture, white melon takes on the flavors of any dish it’s prepared with. Proper preparation and complementary seasonings are key to bringing out its best qualities.
Substitutes
If you can’t find white melon, there are a few suitable substitutions available:
| Honeydew melon | The closest flavor match. Flesh has a similar sweetness and crunch. |
| Zucchini | Works well in stir-fries. Match the moisture level by salting and draining first. |
| Jicama | Has the same crunchy texture. Lacks sweetness so adjust seasoning. |
| Daikon radish | When cooked, has a similar mild flavor. Needs longer cooking time. |
For raw applications, honeydew and jicama make the best stand-ins. In cooked dishes, zucchini’s soft crunch and neutral flavor does well. Radishes work when prepped properly. Adjust seasonings to account for differences in flavors.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about white melon:
Is white melon the same as winter melon?
Yes, white melon and winter melon refer to the same fruit. Winter melon is the most common name.
What does white melon taste like?
White melon has a very subtle sweetness, often described as a cross between cucumber and honeydew but much milder. The flesh is juicy and crunchy.
Can you eat white melon raw?
Yes, white melon can be eaten raw and is often used in fresh fruit platters and salads. The flavor is delicate so season well with a little salt, citrus, or spices.
Is white melon good for weight loss?
With only 20 calories and 0 fat per cup, white melon is an excellent food for weight loss diets. It provides fiber, nutrients, and hydration with minimal calories.
Can you freeze white melon?
Freezing is a great way to preserve white melon long-term. Blanch cubes first by cooking 1 minute in boiling water. Let cool, drain moisture, and freeze in airtight bags up to 6 months.
Conclusion
The white melon is a versatile fruit used in both sweet and savory dishes across Asia. Its mild, refreshing flavor pairs well with all types of seasonings. White melon offers hydration and valuable nutrients including vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Look for this interesting melon at Asian markets during summer and fall. Follow proper storage and preparation methods to enjoy white melon’s crisp texture and subtle sweetness. With a little creativity, add this melon to soups, salads, juices, and more.