Variety characteristics:

• W1372 Sweet Green-Fleshed Fuzzy Melon is an early, vigorous Asian gourd producing elongated cylindrical fruits with dark emerald-green skin, pale mottling and a covering of fine natural hairs. Unlike traditional mature winter melons, the fruits remain green and develop little to no white waxy bloom.
This versatile selection offers two useful harvest stages. Pick the young gourds at approximately 1.1 lb for tender flesh, a delicate sweetness and a crisp, succulent texture. Fruits may also remain on the vine until they reach approximately 4.4 lb, producing more substantial pale-green flesh for soups, braised dishes, steaming and stuffing.
The vigorous vines continue setting fruit through favorable warm-season conditions. Train them on a strong trellis to keep the gourds straight, clean and easy to harvest. Support larger fruits with slings when necessary. Consistent moisture and regular harvesting encourage continued flowering and fruit development.
The fine surface hairs are normal for fuzzy melon and may irritate sensitive skin. Rub or peel away the hairs before cooking. Young fruits are excellent in stir-fries, while larger fruits are well suited to soups, stews, braising and stuffed preparations. Fuzzy melon is commonly harvested immature and used in soups, steamed dishes and stir-fries.