Melon Canton Wax Giant (Benincasa hispida)

Canton Wax Melon Giant (Benincasa hispida): an ancient and interesting cucurbit from China, it is called both Winter Melon and Wax Gourd, but in reality it is completely distinct from both in genus and species.

Present throughout Indochina, it is eaten fresh, candied, and cooked in many ways.

The fruit can weigh up to 20 kg, has crunchy flesh and a fresh flavor, the skin, a beautiful dark green color, is thin but particularly leathery and allows the Benincasa to be preserved even for several months after harvesting.

The plant has a climbing habit; it is sometimes necessary to secure the fruit to a support to prevent premature drop. It is not very cold-tolerant during the emergence phase and in the early growth period; transplanting should be done when you are sure the temperature will not drop sharply again.

It prefers rich soil and full sun. Benincasa is quite rare in Italy, so there are no problems with hybridization to save its seeds.