Benincasa hispida – Winter Melon, Wax Gourd, Ash Pumpkin

Description

A melon or gourd with thin shoots, serrated leaves and yellow flowers followed by large fruits that are attractive, waxy white and edible, but rather bland in taste. The fruits can be eaten when immature or fully ripe and store for a year when mature. They are popularly used in Asia in soups, cakes, drinks, candied, or in a variety of other dishes.