Wax Gourd
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Major Growing Areas
Originally from China and East India, wax gourds are now mainly grown in Haizhu District, Baiyun District and Panyu of China.
Varieties
Also known as winter melon. Wax gourds mainly come in 3 varieties, which are named according to their skin colours and shapes, namely round wax gourds, dark green long wax gourds, and long and slender wax gourds.
Nutritional Values
Rich in water (accounting for over 95% of their weights), dietary fibre and vitamin C. Wax gourds are also rich in potassium, which can help the body excrete excess water.
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| Per 100 g |
| Energy |
13 kcal |
| Dietary Fibre |
2.9 g |
| Vitamin C |
13 mg |
| Potassium |
6 mg |
Buying and Cooking Tips
It is recommended to choose wax gourds that have pale green skin with a white waxy coating. You may use your finger nails to pinch the skin. A firm wax gourd without dark spots has dense fresh. In addition to soup-making, wax gourds are also suitable for braising.
Fun Facts
The white powder on the skin of wax gourds is not pesticide but a waxy coating. In general, only ripe wax gourds have a white powdery coating, which is also known as an “ice coating” in Chinese as it resembles frost in winter.
Common Dishes:
Wax Gourd Vermicelli and Dried Shrimps; Steamed Soup in Wax Gourd; Pork, Wax Gourd, Shiitake Mushroom and Dried Scallop Soup, etc.
"One serving of vegetables" is approximately equivalent to:
½ bowl of cooked wax gourds
Note: One bowl = 250-300 ml
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