Winter melon is a type of melon vegetable that matures in autumn. It is called "白瓜" (white melon) or "枕瓜" (pillow melon) because it has a powdery white wax layer when mature, and its appearance resembles a pillow. In ancient times, it was called "地芝" (ground mushroom). So what are the nutritional values of winter melon?
Nutritional Value of Winter Melon
Winter melon contains a high amount of protein, carbohydrates, and small amounts of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, as well as nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B9, citrulline, and calcium. Winter melon is the only melon vegetable that does not contain fat and is rich in malic acid, which can inhibit the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. It also has a strong diuretic effect, enhancing weight loss.
Vitamin C
Winter melon has a high content of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant known as ascorbic acid. It can reduce the oxidative capacity of ascorbic acid peroxidase, thus preventing and treating scurvy.
The aging process in humans is mainly due to the action of free radicals in the body. The vitamin C found in winter melon can eliminate free radicals in the body and reduce their levels, thus delaying aging. Vitamin C also has a preventive effect on cancer and can prolong the survival time of patients.
Momordicine
Winter melon contains a significant amount of momordicine, which can promote the body's metabolism and inhibit the conversion of sugar into fat. Additionally, winter melon is rich in dietary fiber, which can promote the excretion of feces in the intestines, reducing the absorption of fat by the body. Therefore, consuming winter melon has the effect of weight loss and slimming.
Malic Acid
The malic acid in winter melon can effectively control the conversion of fat into sugar, preventing the accumulation of fat in the body. Moreover, winter melon has a low sodium and high potassium content, which is beneficial for preventing and treating hypertension. It can also prevent atherosclerosis.
Dietary Fiber
Winter melon is rich in dietary fiber, which can stimulate the acceleration of gastrointestinal motility after entering the stomach and intestines, leading to faster digestion of food. The excess food residue, carcinogens, and toxins that accumulate in the body can be quickly excreted. Regular consumption of winter melon can lower cholesterol and have anti-cancer effects.
High Water Content
Winter melon has a thick, white, juicy flesh with a mild taste. Whether it is used in winter melon soup or consumed directly, it can give a feeling of appetite. Additionally, it has a cooling effect on the mouth, which can help eliminate the greasy feeling after consuming oily food, stimulating saliva production and promoting appetite.
Methods of Consuming Winter Melon
Winter Melon and Grass Carp Soup:
Ingredients: 500g winter melon, 250g grass carp (preferably with the tail), a moderate amount of salt. First, remove the intestines and wash the grass carp, then fry it until golden brown. Add the winter melon and an appropriate amount of water, simmer for about 3-4 hours, and finally add a little salt to taste. This is a folk remedy for treating hypertension, headache, and dizziness.
Winter Melon and Lotus Leaf Stewed Duck:
Ingredients: 200g winter melon, 3 small pieces of tender lotus leaf, 25g coix seed, 25g red adzuki beans, 250g duck meat. Wash the duck meat and cut it into medium-sized pieces. Cut the winter melon, including the skin, into large pieces. Wash the tender lotus leaves. Soak the coix seed and red adzuki beans and wash them thoroughly. Put all the ingredients into a stewing pot, add one and a half bowls of boiling water, cover the pot, and stew it in a water bath. Stew with high heat for 30 minutes, medium heat for 50 minutes, and low heat for 90 minutes. After stewing, add an appropriate amount of oil, salt, and MSG to taste. This dish nourishes the lungs and kidneys, clears heat, and detoxifies. It is mainly used to treat chronic nephritis with symptoms of oliguria and edema.
Winter Melon and Spare Ribs
1. Cut the winter melon into pieces and blanch the spare ribs. Wash and prepare the scallions, ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and dried chili peppers.
2. Heat oil in a pan and lightly fry the spare ribs. Stir-fry the scallions, ginger, and garlic with the meat until fragrant. Add the winter melon and other spices and stir-fry. Add soy sauce, cooking wine, sweet bean sauce, and salt to taste.
3. Add enough water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the winter melon is soft and the soup thickens.
These are just a few ways to consume winter melon, but there are many more delicious recipes that can be explored. Winter melon is not only nutritious but also versatile in cooking.
