Variety characteristics:

• W1373 is a compact-fruited wax gourd distinguished by its pale yellow-green flesh and tender, creamy texture. The short cylindrical fruits grow to approximately 9.8 inches long and average about 4.4–5.5 lb, making them easier to harvest, handle and prepare than traditional large winter melons.
As the fruits mature, the green rind becomes covered with a thick, powdery-white wax bloom. Cut fruits reveal substantial pale yellow-green flesh surrounding a relatively compact seed cavity. When cooked, the flesh becomes soft, smooth and pleasantly dense, with a delicate sweetness and mild winter-melon flavor.
The vigorous vines are easy to grow in warm-season gardens and perform well on a sturdy trellis. Support developing fruits with slings when growing vertically, or allow the vines to spread across clean mulch for ground cultivation. Harvest fully developed fruits after the white wax coating becomes prominent and the rind feels firm.
Excellent for soups, braised dishes, steaming, hot pots, stuffed winter melon and slow-cooked recipes. The compact fruit size is especially convenient for household kitchens because a single fruit can be used without handling an oversized winter melon.