Wax gourd

CH2 = CH(CH2)8CH20H, C11H22O, Mr 170.29, bp2.ikv 133°C, d 0.8495, 1.4500, was tentatively identified, e.g., in the wax gourd (Benincasa hispida, Cogn.) [13], and is a colorless liquid with a fatty-green, slightly citrus-like odor. It can be synthesized from 10-undecylenic acid and is used to give flower perfumes a fresh note. 

Wax gourds are large, heavy, oblong fmits that range from 6 to 8 in. (75 to 20 cm) in diameter, and from 8 to 14 in. (20 to 35 cm) long. The fruits may be boiled or candied, and the seeds fried. Also, the young leaves and flower buds are eaten as vegetables. 

The nutrient composition of the wax gourd is given in Food Composition Table F-21. 

Wax gourds are a fair to good source of potassium and vitamin C. 

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