Winter Melon

Despite its name, the winter melon is grown in the tropics and is not a melon at all. It is a wax gourd that resembles a melon, is harvested during the summer months, and has spots of white on the light green surface that looks like snow. The flesh is not very sweet and it is used much like a squash or used in combination with other ingredients. Occasionally the winter melon is cut in half, hollowed out, and used as an attractive serving container.