As the summer heat intensifies, a heartwarming trend is emerging on SNS in China: parents are giving their babies winter melon. This long, flat vegetable, which might resemble a zucchini or cucumber at first glance, actually belongs to the gourd family and is known in English as winter melon or wax gourd. Primarily originating from South Asia and Southeast Asia, its thick, white flesh is a versatile ingredient used in soups, curries, and more.

Winter Melon's Cooling Effect

The reason Chinese parents are turning to winter melon to help their babies beat the heat is rooted in tradition. Posts shared by outlets like CGTN show not only babies but also pets finding comfort leaning against the cool melon. Winter melon has long been used as a cooling ingredient, with its high water content, making up about 95% of the vegetable, helping to absorb body heat. In traditional Chinese medicine, even the waxy green rind is used in remedies to cool the body.

Characteristics and Storage of Winter Melon

Winter melon grows on vines and can reach impressive sizes, up to about 61 cm in length and width, and weighing over 9 kg. Although harvested in the fall, its remarkable ability to be stored for up to 1 year is what gives it the name 'winter melon.' This long shelf life makes it a convenient ingredient even in warmer spring and summer months.

Nutritional Value and Precautions

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's FoodData Central, winter melon is a low-calorie, low-fat vegetable. Cooked winter melon is approximately 96% water, with minimal carbohydrates and protein per 100g. It also contains some Vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, making it a good source for hydration. However, relying solely on winter melon to combat dehydration or heatstroke is not sufficient.

In fact, the practice of giving winter melon to babies to lower their body temperature isn't a medically proven cooling method. While the melon's surface might feel cooler than the surrounding air, leading to a temporary transfer of heat from the skin, there's no clinical evidence to support its ability to safely lower a baby's core body temperature. Furthermore, placing a heavy winter melon, weighing around 9 kg, in a baby's crib poses a risk of accidentally compressing the baby, potentially hindering movement and breathing. Experts strongly advise against placing winter melons in cribs with infants.

Winter Melon in Korea

Interestingly, winter melon is also native to Korea. Believed to have been introduced via China, historical Korean texts like 《Hyangyakchwuiwollyeong》 from the early Joseon Dynasty mention it. Cookbooks such as 《Eumsikdimibang》 and 《Sallimgyeongje》 detail various recipes, including steamed dishes and pan-fried preparations. While widely cultivated and consumed during the Joseon era, it's now primarily grown in some regions for culinary or ornamental purposes. You won't easily find it in regular supermarkets, but it's available under names like 'dong-a,' 'donggwa,' or 'winter melon' in traditional markets or direct farm sales.