Winter melon

Benincasa hispida

vegetable

A very large Asian squash covered in a thin film of wax, with white, neutral-tasting flesh that soaks up broths; the only species in its genus.

Origin

Southeast Asia

Season (United States)

July to November · grows in your region

Preparation

The waxy skin and seed core are removed; the flesh is cooked. If it is truly bitter, throw it out without tasting more: that is cucurbitacin, which makes you seriously ill, and cooking does not remove it.

Did you know?

Its wax protects it: it keeps all winter, hence its local name of winter melon.