This fuzzy gourd, mao gua or mokwa, is a early to medium maturing hybrid. The fruit is dark green growing to 8-10” long and 2-3” wide. Vigorous and productive variety.
Chi qua is the fruit of Benincasa hispida var. chieh-qua, a variety of the wax gourd. The fruit is a staple of Chinese diet.
The fruit is commonly referred to in Chinese as chi qua (simplified Chinese: 节瓜; traditional Chinese: 節瓜; pinyin: jiéguā; Jyutping: zit3 gwaa1), but can also be referred to as moa qua or moa gua (Chinese: 毛瓜; pinyin: máoguā; Jyutping: mou4 gwaa1; lit. 'hairy gourd').
In English, the fruit is known by a variety of names including hairy melon, hairy gourd, hairy cucumber, fuzzy gourd, fuzzy squash, Chinese preserving melon, wax gourd, or small winter melon.
Culinary tips: Use jointed gourd as a substitute for zucchini. To retain best flavor, do not overcook. Cut into chunks for steaming, stir frying, soups or braising. Stuff hollowed melons with meat and bake.