Gac Fruit

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) is a bright orange spiky superfruit native to Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Called 'baby watermelon' in Vietnamese, gac has been cultivated for centuries and is celebrated for exceptional lycopene and vitamin A content supporting comprehensive health.

Gac earns superfruit status through exceptional nutrient density: 273% DV vitamin A, 42% DV vitamin C, extraordinary lycopene concentration (more bioavailable than tomatoes), at only 20 calories per 100g with low glycemic index (25). Few fruits deliver such comprehensive nutritional power at such low caloric cost.

Gac contains 10-70 times more lycopene per serving than tomatoes, with significantly greater bioavailability due to the fruit's fat content. Additionally, gac's lycopene exists in more stable, absorbable forms, making it superior for cardiovascular and cellular health support.

Gac is exceptional for eye health with 273% DV vitamin A plus high lycopene and polyphenol content. This combination supports vision clarity, reduces macular degeneration risk, protects against oxidative eye damage, and promotes overall ocular wellness—making gac one of the most eye-supporting fruits available.

Xôi gấc is a traditional Vietnamese celebration dish of sticky rice colored and enriched with gac puree and seeds. Served during Tet (Lunar New Year) and special occasions, it symbolizes prosperity and health. The gac provides vibrant color, nutritional richness, and cultural significance in Vietnamese culinary tradition.

Yes, gac seeds are highly nutritious and are the most valued part of the fruit. Rich in fatty acids, carotenoids, and lycopene, gac seeds are consumed directly, used to extract gac seed oil, or processed into traditional preparations. The seeds and surrounding flesh together provide complete nutritional benefit.

Fresh gac is available at Southeast Asian markets and farmers markets (August-November peak season). Year-round options include frozen gac puree, gac seed oil, dried gac, and gac supplements from Asian food retailers, health food stores, and online specialty markets.

Gac has mild, slightly sweet flavor with creamy texture from the seeded interior. The taste is subtle and pleasant rather than intensely fruity—similar to mild melon or pumpkin. The flavor is less important than its nutritional profile; gac's real value lies in its exceptional vitamin A, lycopene, and antioxidant content.