Cucurbitaceae Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.
Source: Magness et al. 1971
The plant is an annual running, squash-like vine, with large, soft, hairy leaves. Fruits are large, oblong, 10 to 16 inches in length, hairy, with waxy bloom when ripe, with solid white flesh and cucumber-like seeds. In culture it is similar to cucumber or cantaloupe. Fruit is used for preserves and sweet pickles, also said to be eaten raw in tropics. Fruit said to be much esteemed in Asia, particularly China, but little known in the U.S.
Production in U.S.: No data. Limited.
Use: Preserves, pickling, fresh eating like cucumber.
Part of plant consumed: Interior of fruit.