Wax Gourd Quality Standards for the Local Market

The organization recommends Trang Nong Seed Company's TN 61 and TN 88 varieties. These varieties meet market requirements in terms of size, shape, and color. Market requirements for wax gourds vary by province. In Kampong Thom, a local variety that produces a large and long fruit is preferred. In contrast, Pursat, Battamang, and Siem Reap prefer fruit that is small and short. However, color and shape requirements are the same in all four provinces. To meet market requirements, wax gourds should be harvested early in the morning to obtain the best quality products. They should not be harvested if it is raining. The stem should be attached to the fruit, with a length of at least 1 cm but no longer than 3 cm. Flower petals should be attached to the fruit whenever possible. The fruit should be harvested with the natural wax and fuzz on the skin. Wax gourds should also meet specific size and shape requirements. The fruit diameter should vary from 6 to 8 cm, and the length should vary from 20 cm up to 30 cm. The fruit should be straight and glossy green in color, and cylindrical in shape. Bottle-shaped fruit is also accepted. The fruit should be free of foreign matter, insect or pest damage, and signs of rotting, bruising, splits, or cuts. It should not be over-ripe, deformed, or misshaped. The fruit should be presented uniformly, with the same grade, variety, and color packed in the same package. Cambodia HARVEST has established a grading system for wax gourds based on their characteristics. The grading system includes three grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. The characteristics of each grade are as follows: Grade 1 requires 95-100% freshness, a stem attached to the fruit with a length of at least 1 cm, and flower petals attached to the fruit. The fruit diameter should be 6 cm, and the shape should be cylindrical. Grade 2 requires 90-95% freshness, a stem attached to the fruit with a length of less than 1 cm, and no flower petals attached to the fruit. The fruit diameter should be 6-7 cm, and the shape should be cylindrical. Grade 3 requires 80-90% freshness, a stem attached to the fruit with a length of less than 1 cm or no stem, and no flower petals attached to the fruit. The fruit diameter should be 6-8 cm, and the shape should be cylindrical or bottle-like.