Gua Di (Twisted, with one end enlarged)

【Naming】

Gua Di (Muskmelon Peduncle)

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Upper Grade

 【Common Usage Level】

E

 【Botanical Origin】

The peduncle of the muskmelon, Cucumis melo L., of the Cucurbitaceae family.

 【Appearance】

The peduncle is a slender, cylindrical shape, often twisted, 3-6cm long, and 0.2-0.4cm in diameter. The end connecting to the melon is slightly enlarged, approximately 8mm in diameter, with longitudinal grooves. The outer surface is grayish-yellow with sparse, short villi. Peduncles with attached rind are shorter, 0.3-2.6cm long, slightly curved or twisted, with longitudinal grooves. The rind portion is nearly disc-shaped, approximately 2cm in diameter, with a dark yellow to brownish-yellow outer surface, shrunken, with thin, inwardly rolled edges. The inner surface is yellowish-white to brown. The peduncle is light and tough in texture, not easily broken, with a fibrous, hollow cross-section. It has a faint odor and a bitter taste.

 【Identification】

The best quality is characterized by a brownish-yellow color and a bitter taste.

 【Category】

Fruits