Winter Melon Seed (Flat, long oval shape, yellowish-white, blunt and round at one end and pointed at the other, with obvious hilum, circular edge, seeds white kernels full)

【Naming】

Winter Melon Seed

【Source】

Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Superior Class

【Common Usage Level】

C

【Botanical Origin】

The dried mature seeds of the wax gourd *Benincasa hispida* Cogn. (family Cucurbitaceae).

【Characteristics】

It is a flattened, oblong-ovate shape, about 1~1.4 cm long and 0.5~0.8 mm wide. The outer skin is yellowish-white, with one end blunt and round, and the other end pointed. There are two small protrusions at the pointed end, one of which is smaller and is the hilum; the other protrusion is larger. The edges are smooth (single-edged Winter Melon Seed) or there is a ring-shaped edge on both sides (double-edged Winter Melon Seed). After peeling off the seed coat, the milky white kernel can be seen, which is oily. The odor is slight, the taste is slightly sweet, and it is rich in greasiness.

【Processing】

1. Raw Winter Melon Seed 2. Stir-fried Winter Melon Seed

【Identification】

Good quality is indicated by dryness, whiteness, large size, plumpness, and freedom from mold, insect damage, and washing.

【Category】

Seeds