Are sharkfin melon shoots really edible?
I read that the shoots of sharkfin melons (Cucurbita ficifolia) are edible. Isn't that kind of unique for a cucurbit? Is it true that they're edible? Are the mature leaves/vines poisonous?
Best Answer
According to a number of sources, the shoots are indeed edible, however all references I found were to "young" shoots, so I don't know about the mature vine itself.
The Curious Gardener says
It's not just the melon that is edible on this plant; the flowers, leaves, shoots and seeds are also eaten.
Although the flowers, leaves and shoots are mostly used raw as salad greens, The Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations adds:
The young stems (called runners), and also the flowers, are eaten as a cooked vegetable.
This North Carolina State University Article lists a number of cucurbits with edible shoots, including Chayote, Bitter Melon and a few types of Gourds.
Pictures about "Are sharkfin melon shoots really edible?"
Quick Answer about "Are sharkfin melon shoots really edible?"
Even though the flowers, leaves and tender shoots are popular in Mexico, it is the protein-rich seeds that have real nutritional value. Roasted, they can be added to salads or pressed for oil.Can you eat melon shoots?
Now we officially relieve you of the pesky seed-removal task because.... wait for it...you can eat them! The seeds actually become edible, nutritional powerhouses once they're sprouted, shelled and dried. Although simple, sprouting isn't exactly a 5-minute task, but it's totally worth it.What is a Shark Fin Melon?
Cucurbita ficifolia is a tender perennial in the cucurbit family, grown in a similar fashion to most other squashes. Despite its common name, the Shark Fin Melon, the fruit is used a vegetable. It gets its name because the strands are scraped out and made into a broth resembling the texture of shark fin soup.Are cantaloupe leaves edible?
They're so light and subtle that they'll take on the flavor of whatever they're cooked with, so I prefer them raw. You just have to be careful not to over-pick the leaves, which can stunt production of the cucumbers.Can you freeze Shark Fin Melon?
Once cool, I will freeze it in portions to be added to soups, stews and curries as required. It turns out to be a good addition to a winter vegetable soup, with onion, carrot, parsnip, leek, potato and kale.It's Amazing! Foods You Need To Eat and Grow Shark Fin Melon In Your Lifetime #鱼翅瓜
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Laura Tancredi, Any Lane, Karolina Grabowska, Polina Kovaleva