This is one of the largest vegetables grown. Mature winter melons resemble their cousins, watermelons, in shape but regularly outstrip them in size (10 inches plus in diameter) and in weight (up to 100 lbs.). The dark green skin is thin, hard and waxy - the source of their other common market name, 'wax gourd'. In the market, expect to see only part of the melon because it is commonly sold by the slice.

Buy slices that have been freshly cut, with firm, white flesh which smells clean.