Pickling Melon “Katsura Giant” Asian Vegetable
Cucumis melo var conomom
As its name suggests, this family of melons is ideal for pickling, and that is the most common method of preparation in Asia. Considerably larger than Western cucumbers, young melons can be eaten raw or added to a salad as you would a cucumber. More typically, they can be baked stuffed with beef, pork, chicken or vegetables. Pickling melons also make a tasty vegetable in their own right alongside seafood or in a stir-fry.
Asian names for this vegetable…
China: tsit kwa, uet kwa, bai gua, cai gua, yue gue
Japan: oshiro uri
This light green, oval-shaped melon, oshiro uri, is very popular in Japan and is best suited for pickling. The fruits have crisp white flesh and can reach 14″ long and 4-5″ in diameter. The plant has
a vine growth habit. Promote lateral branching. Hand pollination may be necessary.
Growing Info:
Needs warm climate to thrive. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in spring/summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location. Hill planting: Form soil into a 1-ft. diameter mound 3-4″
tall. Space mounds 3-5′ apart. On each mound plant 2-3 seeds. Row planting: See spacing info in chart. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Trained to climb a vertical support for better air
circulation and ease of harvest or leave to sprawl on the ground. Vines can grow up to 10′ long. For best flavor, harvest before skin turns white.
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