Vegetable
boiled unsalted waxgourd.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-free
ALSO KNOWN AS
chinese preserving melon
SERVING
CALORIES
14
PROTEIN
0.40g
CARBS
3.0g
FAT
0.20g
FIBER
1.0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories14kcal—
Protein0.40g1%
Carbohydrates3.0g1%
Fiber1.0g4%
Sugar1.2g2%
Total fat0.20g0%
Saturated fat0.02g0%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol0mg0%
Water96.1g—
MINERALS
Sodium107mg5%
Potassium5.0mg0%
Calcium18mg1%
Iron0.38mg2%
Magnesium10mg2%
Phosphorus17mg1%
Zinc0.59mg5%
Copper0.02mg2%
Manganese0.06mg3%
Selenium0.20µg0%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A0µg0%
Vitamin C10.5mg12%
Vitamin D0µg0%
Vitamin E0.08mg1%
Vitamin K2.8µg2%
Thiamin (B1)0.03mg3%
Riboflavin (B2)0mg0%
Niacin (B3)0.38mg2%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.12mg2%
Vitamin B60.03mg2%
Folate (B9)4.0µg1%
Vitamin B120µg0%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup175g
1 tablespoon10.9g
1 teaspoon3.6g
1 ml0.7g
1 liter729.2g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓High water content (around 96%) makes it extremely hydrating and very low in calories, which can support weight management.
- ✓Contains soluble fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- ✓Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its cooling properties, believed to help reduce body heat and inflammation.
- ✓Provides small amounts of antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which help protect the body against oxidative stress.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Boiled wax gourd has a very mild, neutral flavor and a soft texture, making it excellent at absorbing the flavors of broths, sauces, and spices it's cooked with.
- 2After boiling, it is ideal for adding to soups, stews, and curries. It becomes tender and translucent when fully cooked.
- 3To prevent it from becoming mushy, do not over-boil. Cook just until tender-crisp if adding to a stir-fry, or until soft for soups.
- 4Since it is unsalted, it serves as a blank canvas. Season it well with ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, white pepper, or sesame oil to enhance its flavor.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store leftover boiled wax gourd in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, boiled wax gourd can be frozen. Place cooled pieces in a single layer on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag to prevent clumping.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is boiled unsalted waxgourd healthy?
Yes, boiled waxgourd is highly nutritious and exceptionally hydrating, consisting of approximately 96% water. It is very low in calories (14 per 100g) and provides soluble fiber and antioxidants like flavonoids, which support overall health and protect against oxidative stress.
Is boiled waxgourd good for weight loss?
Boiled waxgourd is an excellent food for weight management because it is extremely low in calories and fat. Its high water and fiber content promote a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce overall calorie intake throughout the day.
Is boiled waxgourd keto-friendly?
Yes, it is very keto-friendly. With only 3.04g of carbohydrates per 100g, it can easily be incorporated into a low-carb or ketogenic diet without significantly impacting your daily carb limit.
Can diabetics eat boiled waxgourd?
Yes, boiled waxgourd is suitable for diabetics. It has a low glycemic index and contains soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose during digestion.
What does boiled waxgourd taste like?
Boiled waxgourd has a very mild, neutral, and slightly refreshing flavor, similar to the white part of a watermelon rind or a very mild cucumber. Because it is porous, it excels at absorbing the flavors of the spices or broths it is cooked in.
What are the 'cooling' properties of waxgourd?
In traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, waxgourd is considered a 'cooling' food. It is believed to help dissipate internal body heat, reduce inflammation, and act as a natural diuretic to help flush out toxins.
How do you store leftover boiled waxgourd?
Leftover boiled waxgourd should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for 3 to 5 days. It is best to keep it in a bit of its cooking liquid to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze boiled waxgourd?
You can freeze boiled waxgourd, but the texture will become much softer and slightly mushy once thawed due to its high water content. It is best used in blended soups or stews after it has been frozen and thawed.
Is boiled waxgourd vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, boiled unsalted waxgourd is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It is a simple vegetable preparation that contains no animal products or gluten-containing grains, making it safe for most restrictive diets.
How is boiled waxgourd typically served?
It is most commonly served in clear soups, vegetarian stews, or mashed into a pulp for traditional desserts. Since it is unsalted, it is often seasoned with ginger, light soy sauce, or herbs to enhance its delicate profile.
