Seasons/Availability
Just as the name suggests, Winter melons are available during the winter season.

Current Facts
Known by several names, Winter melon is called Tung Gwa, Dong Gua and Doan Gwa in China; Sufed Kaddu, Petha and Lauki in India; Togan in Japan; Fak in Thailand; Wax gourd; White gourd; and Winter gourd. It is the fruit of the Asian vine Benincasa hispida and is used most extensively in Chinese cuisine.

Description/Taste
Winter melons are perhaps the largest cold season melons. They can measure 15 inches in diameter and can weigh in excess of thirty pounds at maturity. They are most often marketed by the slice due to their extreme size. Winter melons first impression is a hard, thin, chalky pistachio colored skin with a waxy feel. Its snow white flesh is mild flavored with a similar water rich texture of a watermelon. It bears a large seed cavity that takes up a considerable amount of the flesh.

Applications
Cubed or sliced, Winter melon can be steamed, simmered, braised or parboiled and added to stir-fries. Best used in soups, season this rather mild and bland melon with strong spices and herbs. Winter melon are suitable for pickling and may be diced and candied. Whole Winter melons will keep in a cool place for months.

Ethnic/Cultural Info
Winter melon is most acclaimed as the ingredient in the Chinese soup known as tung qwa chung or dong gwa jong, or Winter Melon Pond. The skin of the Winter melon is elaborately carved with motifs such as the mythical dragon and phoenix.

Geography/History
Winter melons grow best in warm weather with maximum sunshine. The Winter melon is an ancient food staple of China and was first cultivated in ancient Egypt. Introduced into Europe during the Renaissance, today this melon is cultivated throughout the world. It is grown in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australia.

Source: Specialty Produce
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In English, cat is “cat.”   In French, cat is “Chat.”  In German, your cat is “katze.”   The Spanish word for cat is “gato,” and the Italian word is “gatto.”  Japanese prefer “neko” and Arabic countries call a cat a “kitte.” Source: FPTR

Pugs go by a number of different names, including Chinese pug, Dutch bulldog, Dutch mastiff, Mini mastiff, Carlin, and for some strange reason, Mops. The Pug tail is high-set and curled – sometimes twice — over the back. The short coat is soft, fine, and smooth, and comes in apricot, fawn, black, and silver colors. Adult Pugs range in height from 10 to 14 inches, and weigh from 13 to 20 pounds. Average lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Source: HealthyPets

Squirrels are familiar to almost everyone. More than 200 squirrel species live all over the world, with the notable exception of Australia.

The tiniest squirrel is the aptly named African pygmy squirrel—only five inches (thirteen centimeters) long from nose to tail. Others reach sizes shocking to those who are only familiar with common tree squirrels. The Indian giant squirrel is three feet (almost a meter) long.

Like other rodents, squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing so they don’t wear down from the constant gnawing. Tree squirrels are the types most commonly recognized, often seen gracefully scampering and leaping from branch to branch. Other species are ground squirrels that live in burrow or tunnel systems, where some hibernate during the winter season.

Ground squirrels eat nuts, leaves, roots, seeds, and other plants. They also catch and eat small animals, such as insects and caterpillars. These small mammals must always be wary of predators because they are tasty morsels with few natural defenses, save flight. Sometimes groups of ground squirrels work together to warn each other of approaching danger with a whistling call.

Tree squirrels are commonly seen everywhere from woodlands to city parks. Though they are terrific climbers, these squirrels do come to the ground in search of fare such as nuts, acorns, berries, and flowers. They also eat bark, eggs, or baby birds. Tree sap is a delicacy to some species.

Flying squirrels are a third, adaptable type of squirrel. They live something like birds do, in nests or tree holes, and although they do not fly, they can really move across the sky. Flying squirrels glide, extending their arms and legs and coasting through the air from one tree to another. Flaps of skin connecting limbs to body provide a winglike surface. These gliding leaps can exceed 150 feet (46 meters). Flying squirrels eat nuts and fruit, but also catch insects and even baby birds.

Whether they dwell high in a tree or in an underground burrow, female squirrels typically give birth to two to eight offspring. Babies are blind and totally dependent on their mothers for two or three months. Mothers may have several litters in a year, so most squirrel populations are robust.

Source: National Geographic
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