Our winter melon juice recipe makes a refreshing drink for you to enjoy on hot summer days.
What Does Winter Melon Taste Like
Ash gourd, also known as winter melons, wax gourds, white pumpkins, or Chinese watermelons, is a fruit native to parts of Southern Asia. It belongs to the squash family (Cucurbitaceae), together with cucumber, melons, zucchini, and pumpkin.
This vine-grown melon matures into a round or oblong fruit that resembles a watermelon in both size and color. When the fruit is fully ripe, its fuzzy exterior transforms into a powdery ash-colored coating, earning the fruit its name.
Ash gourd can be preserved for up to three to four months and eaten over the winter, which is most likely how its seasonal name came to be. Additionally, immature melons are covered in fine hairs that some liken to snow. As it matures, it loses its hair and develops a waxy coating.
Winter melon has a very mild flavor when mature, whereas the immature fruit is sweet. It has a refreshing, almost grassy flavor that is frequently compared to cucumber. Winter melon is familiar to anyone who has eaten the white rind of a watermelon. As a result, when winter melon is unavailable, watermelon rind is occasionally substituted.
Health Benefits
Ash gourd is 96% water and has a very low calorie, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content.
It's rich in fiber, certain nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. It’s also a source of trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and a variety of vitamins (C and other B varieties).
Additionally, ash gourd contains flavonoids and carotenoids, two antioxidants believed to protect cells and certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. At the moment, it is believed that the ash gourd's high antioxidant content accounts for the majority of its alleged benefits.
Main Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients for today’s winter melon juice recipe:
- Winter Melon: You can find this at most farmers' markets or Asian supermarkets.
- Lemon Juice: This will give the drink a refreshing citrus flavor that instantly brightens the taste buds.
- Water: We need water to dilute the bitter undertone of the gourd.
- Mint: As always, a sprig of mint can elevate the flavor profile of the drink and add a cooling sensation.
- Ice: This is an optional ingredient, but we strongly recommend it since it will make the drink more refreshing and enjoyable.
Do You Peel Winter Melons Before Juicing?
Yes, we do. The skin of winter melons is quite waxing and may cause stomach irritation so it’s best to remove it.
Storing and Freezing the Leftovers
In this section of the article, we will show you how to store leftover juice and fresh gourd properly.
1. Storing the Leftover
If you have leftover winter melon, it would be best not to peel it. Leave the gourd whole and put it in the fridge.
Suppose that you have cut it in half, exposing some flesh of the melon. If that’s the case, you should wrap the exposed area in cling film to minimize oxidation.
2. Storing
Any juice that isn't consumed right away should be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator.
This winter melon juice can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container to extend its shelf life.
3. How Long Does It Last?
When refrigerated, this winter melon juice can last for about 2 days. If you freeze your juice, it should last a month.
Winter Melon Juice Recipe
Today’s winter melon juice recipe offers you a simple and refreshing drink to quench your thirst. This juice is perfect for everyone because it is dairy-free, nut-free, fat-free, and vegan-friendly.
- prep TIME 5 mins
- total TIME 5 mins
- COURSE Beverage
- CUISINE Global
- SERVINGS servings
- CALORIES 47 kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 24 oz winter melon (peeled)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 1 cup water
- 8 mint leaves
- 2 cups ice
INSTRUCTIONS
Juice the winter melon: Put 24 oz winter melon into a juicer.
Add the remaining ingredients: Add 1 cup water, 1/2 tsp lemon juice and sugar to your taste (2 tbsp maximum) then stir until everything is well-mixed.
Stir until everything is well-mixed.
Transfer into serving glasses, garnish and serve: Pour the drink into four tall glasses. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve with 2 cups ice.
NUTRITION
Tuyet Pham
Head Chef, Culinary ConsultantLuna Regina
Writer, Author- MplsriderA delicious and nutritious way to start your day.