Wax Gourd

Wax gourd — also called winter melon or Chinese preserving melon — is a very large gourd with pale green skin covered in a waxy white bloom, which gives it its name. The flesh is white, mild, and absorbs the flavours of whatever it’s cooked with, making it a favourite in Asian soups and braises.

In Chinese cooking, wax gourd is a classic ingredient in slow-cooked soups, often paired with pork ribs, dried shrimp, or barley. It’s also used in stir-fries, curries, and as a filling for mooncakes and other sweets. In South and Southeast Asian cuisines, it appears in curries, dals, and candied preserves. The flesh becomes translucent and silky when cooked.

Due to its size — a single fruit can weigh over 10 kilograms — wax gourd is usually sold in pre-cut wedges at Asian grocers in Australia. It keeps well in the fridge once cut and wrapped.