Cucurbit vegetables are an important group among vegetable plants. In our climatic conditions, the most dominant species of this family are cucumber and squash, and in particular its botanical varieties: zucchini, squash and patison.However, this family includes a number of other species, such as melons (mesh, sugar, winter, cantaloupe), pumpkins (ordinary, giant, fig-leaf), watermelon, watermelon, as well as pickled cucumber (kiwano), gourd, luffa and rough beninkaza.Most of these species have very high thermal requirements and are best grown under cover.
Beninkaza rough Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogniaux is an annual plant with a creeping habit, producing light green oblong fruit used as an unripe vegetable. The useful part can also be young leaves and flower buds. This plant is also called wax beninca or coarse wax.This is due to the appearance of the peel of the fruit, which is covered with a layer of white wax and short, coarse hairs that fall off when ripe.
For this reason, the peel of the fruit is removed and only the flesh is used.It is quite spongy, white or white / light green, with a slightly sweet taste. Due to the wax layer, beninkazy fruits can be stored for up to 12 months.They are commonly used in Asian countries, especially in China, where they are called "winter melon". We can cook Beninkaz (it is a great addition to soups), fry or stew. Roasted seeds are a tasty snack.
Beninkaza contains a small amount of calories (15-20 kcal / 100 g), carbohydrates approx.3-4%, proteins up to 1% and a small amount of fat 0.1-0.2%.The vitamin content is also not high, but the main role in the nutritional value of beninkaza is played by mineral s alts, especially magnesium, calcium and potassium.In Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, beninkaza is used in combination with pork and beef, mainly in the form of soups or stews.
Beninkaza cultivation conditions
Beninkaza is best grown under cover, in greenhouses or foil tunnels, because in field cultivation we will not be able to meet its thermal requirements.The substrate or soil should be rich in nutrients, preferably organic (compost, manure) and mineral, because, like other cucurbits, beninkaza has quite high nutritional requirements.It should also be watered regularly, because its root system is not too deep, and water shortage may result in shedding flowers or fruit buds.
In India, it is added to a traditional curry dish. In Asian countries it is valued as a sweet snack, especially in candied form. It is also suitable for pickling. Beninkaza is also used in the production of fruit drinks with a rather characteristic taste, sweetened with caramelized sugar.In China and Vietnam, she can be found in winter melon tea.
Consumption of beninkaza improves appetite, and its juice is used to treat kidney stones. The seeds boiled in milk support the production and improve the viability of sperm in men. In turn, the Vietnamese eat this valuable vegetable to improve lactation.
