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The ash gourd, also known as winter melon, white gourd, or wax gourd, is a large fruit that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is widely cultivated in various parts of Asia, including India, China, and Southeast Asia. The scientific name of the ash gourd is Benincasa hispida.The ash gourd has a distinct appearance. It is generally oblong or cylindrical in shape and can grow to impressive sizes, ranging from 30 to 100 centimeters (12 to 39 inches) in length. The fruit's outer skin is smooth, waxy, and pale green when young, gradually turning to a pale ash-gray color as it matures, hence the name "ash gourd."The flesh of the ash gourd is white, crisp, and spongy in texture. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a subtle hint of cucumber. The inner cavity of the fruit contains numerous white seeds embedded in a fibrous core. These seeds are generally discarded, and the flesh is the edible part of the ash gourd.