This hairy melon has a medium green skin covered with fine, hairlike fuzz. Its creamy-colored, medium-firm flesh is mildly flavored and has a tendency to take on the flavor of whatever food it’s cooked with. The hairy melons can be purchased in Asian markets and some specialty produce markets. Choose those that are fairly heavy for their size with wrinkle-free skins. Store ripe melons in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. They must be peeled before using. They’re a popular addition to Chinese soups.

Here’s how to prepare the meal:

• Ingredients :
• 2 medium sized hairy marrow
• 2 packs pork ribs (got it from jaya jusco)
• 2 onions
• 1 tomato
• 25 pcs red dates
• 2 litre filtered water

Directions :

1. Peel the hairy melon and cut it into big chunks.
2. Boil a small pot of water. PP said this is to rinse away the pork smell in the soup.
3. In another pot, boil the 2 litre filtered water. When the water comes to boil, put in the rinsed pork ribs and the hairy melon. Boil it for another half an hour and simmer it to low heat.
4. Peel and cut the onions to big chunks. Same goes to the tomato.
5. Wait for the soup to simmer for another 1 hour and put in the cut onions and tomato.
6. Simmer the soup for another 2 hours.
7. Add salt to taste and the soup is ready.