Winter Melon Soup with Pork Ribs by: Judy 0 Comments Jump to Recipe Posted:9/23/2023Updated:9/16/2023 Winter melon soup is a popular home-cooked Chinese dish when winter melons are in season (late summer through fall).It’s also probably the most popular application of winter melon in China.  Winter melon soups are often made with pork ribs, meatballs, and seafood like shrimp and clams.We have already published a meatball soup with winter melon, but today, we’re doing the simplest winter melon soup recipe with pork ribs! What is Winter Melon?  Winter melon is a large, mild melon used for both savory and sweet applications.

It’s related to the cucumber, but has a softer texture.It’s a decent source of vitamin C and antioxidants too.  Winter melons are high in soluble fiber, so it helps aid digestion and enhance gut health.It also helps to fight inflammation and lower cholesterol for better heart health.  According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has cooling properties, promoting yin.

With its cooling constitution, winter melon is known among TCM practitioners as an ingredient that rehydrates and clears away excess internal heat.You may also see it referred to as wax gourd or ash gourd.It does have waxy skin with a glaucous look to it (like that gray-white bloom on the outside of an unwashed grape).

When shopping for winter melon at the Chinese grocery store, look for a whole, firm melon that feels heavy for its size.

Read More