Hi, I’m Ferb Vu. I’ve grown and researched Momordica Cochinchinensis, also called Gac Fruit or Baby Jackfruit, for several years. It’s a tropical vine native to Southeast Asia, and its bright orange-red spiny fruit is as fascinating as it is nutritious. Whether you’re curious about its uses, how to grow it, or how it compares with similar plants, I’ve answered the most common questions below—straightforward and from firsthand experience.
53 Species in Genus Momordica
What Is Momordica Cochinchinensis?
Momordica Cochinchinensis is a perennial vine from the Cucurbitaceae family. It’s native to countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. I first came across it while exploring Vietnamese traditional medicine gardens.
The plant produces spiny fruits that resemble small jackfruits. When ripe, they turn deep orange or red. The flesh inside is used in food, skincare, and herbal medicine. Its high content of lycopene, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin gives it superfood status.
Why Do People Call It Gac Fruit?
Gac is the common name in Vietnam, where it’s a key ingredient in xôi gấc—a sticky rice dish served at weddings and New Year. Other names include Baby Jackfruit, Spiny Bitter Gourd, and Red Melon.
The fruit doesn’t taste like jackfruit. It’s more subtle—mild, slightly sweet, and earthy. When I first tasted it, I found it similar to a bland avocado with a slightly nutty aftertaste.
Is It Easy to Grow Momordica Cochinchinensis?
In my experience, yes—if you live in a warm climate. Gac is a dioecious plant, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. So, I always grow at least 3–5 vines to ensure pollination.
Here’s how I grow mine:
- Climate: It thrives in USDA Zones 10–12. I’ve seen limited growth below 60°F (15°C).
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with high organic content works best.
- Water: It needs frequent watering, especially when flowering.
- Trellising: A strong trellis is essential; the vines can grow over 20 feet.
By late summer or early fall, the fruits start ripening. Harvest time is my favorite part. The fruits are heavy, bright, and spiky—a sight to behold.
How Does It Compare to Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia)?
I’ve grown both, and while they share the same genus, they’re quite different.
| Feature | Momordica Cochinchinensis (Gac) | Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon) |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Mild and neutral | Bitter |
| Appearance | Spiny red/orange ball | Warty green oblong |
| Uses | Medicinal, culinary, cosmetic | Culinary, medicinal |
| Nutritional Profile | Rich in lycopene and beta-carotene | Rich in charantin and vitamin C |
Bitter melon is often stir-fried or juiced for its blood sugar-regulating properties. Gac is mostly used for its antioxidant power and soft pulp.
What Are the Health Benefits of Gac Fruit?
From personal use and research, here are some notable health benefits:
- Eye health: It’s high in zeaxanthin and lutein, great for vision support.
- Skin regeneration: Lycopene and beta-carotene promote collagen production.
- Anti-cancer potential: The oil contains antioxidants linked to cancer prevention.
- Immune boost: Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids like linoleic acid.
I often blend the aril (seed covering) into smoothies. The deep red color alone tells you it’s packed with nutrients.
Can I Eat the Seeds?
No, the seeds are not edible. They’re flat, hard, and sometimes used in traditional medicine but only after processing. I always discard them after scooping out the red pulp. The pulp is the real gem—it contains most of the lycopene and oil.
Is Gac Fruit Good for Skincare?
Absolutely. I’ve tried cold-pressed Gac seed oil as a serum, and the results were impressive—especially for dryness and mild eczema. It’s rich in vitamin E, beta-carotene, and linoleic acid, which are great for hydration and cell repair.
I’ve also used it in DIY face masks. The pulp, when mixed with honey, makes an excellent antioxidant-rich pack.
How Is Gac Fruit Used in Cooking?
Besides xôi gấc, I’ve used it in:
- Smoothies: Adds color and nutrients without altering taste much.
- Soups: The pulp blends well with broth or coconut milk.
- Ice cream: Yes, I made gac sorbet once—it turned out earthy and vibrant.
You can also infuse the pulp into rice, sauces, and even pasta dough for a red hue.
How Long Does It Take to Bear Fruit?
Patience is key. From sprouting to first harvest, it usually takes 8–10 months in ideal conditions. My first crop came after nine months, and I learned that consistent sunlight, humidity, and fertilization were essential.
Can I Grow It in Containers?
You can, but expect challenges. I tried growing one in a 15-gallon pot with limited success. You’ll need:
- Strong trellis support
- High nitrogen early, then switch to phosphorus
- Pollination help, as natural pollinators may not visit indoor setups
It’s easier in the ground, but containers are possible with effort.
Final Thoughts
Momordica Cochinchinensis is more than just a tropical novelty. It’s a medicinal plant, functional food, and a garden conversation-starter. From its brilliant orange hue to its antioxidant-rich pulp, this fruit has found a permanent spot in my garden and diet.
If you have the climate and patience, I highly recommend trying it. Once it fruits, you’ll understand why it’s treasured across Southeast Asia.
If i die, water my plants!
