Groundmelon is a highly resilient herb. The whole plant is harvested in the summer and autumn and has the effects of invigorating qi, promoting lactation, and clearing heat. It can be used to treat pulmonary diseases. The fruit of the groundmelon can be consumed as food or used medicinally. Let's take a look at the usage of groundmelon!
[Methods of Consuming Groundmelon]
When the fruit of the groundmelon is fresh, it can be eaten. It has a texture similar to that of a thatched needle, and it contains some moisture, with a slightly sweet taste.
When the groundmelon is old, the entire shell loses moisture and cracks open on its own, and the seed hairs inside fall off. If it is too old, it cannot be eaten anymore because the fibrous material has become cotton-like in texture and has no moisture left.
You can think of it like the seeds of a kapok flower, which are also elongated and have a bunch of fibrous material inside, with the seeds hidden within the fibers.
Groundmelon grows more abundantly in grasslands, and camels and sheep like to eat its young fruit. It is a good plant as fodder.
The young fruit of the groundmelon can be eaten raw. It not only has a fragrant aroma and a crispy and sweet taste, but it is also rich in nutrients, making it a very green and healthy wild fruit to consume.
[Nutritional Value of Groundmelon]
The entire groundmelon plant contains 1.5% rubber and 3.6% resin, which can be used as industrial raw materials. Its stems are relatively slender, have a low degree of lignification, and have a soft texture, which is beneficial for livestock consumption.
When the groundmelon is fresh, it is favored by camels, goats, and sheep, especially its tender fruit pods. After drying, the leaves fall off, and its palatability decreases slightly.
From a chemical composition perspective, groundmelon has a relatively high nutritional value. Its protein content is similar to that of purple medick, and it is comparable to wheat bran.
It also contains a rich amount of crude fat and ash, especially its calcium content, which is relatively high and close to that of common leguminous forage grass. It has very little indigestible nutrient, such as crude fiber (Table 153-1).
Groundmelon not only has a relatively rich protein content, but also has good protein quality.
[Precautions for Taking Groundmelon]
1. Use in moderation
Overall, groundmelon is very effective in clearing deficient heat, invigorating qi, generating fluids, and promoting lactation. However, it is important to note that excessive consumption should be avoided as it may have serious effects on the body. It is best to consult a doctor before use.
2. Not suitable for everyone
Groundmelon is not suitable for everyone to use. In addition to paying attention to the dosage, excessive consumption of its young fruit should be avoided.
