Assessing the potential for a gac (Cochinchin gourd) industry in Australia

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) could be a horticultural crop in Australia. It has high concentrations of carotenoids (antioxidants) compared with other well known fruits and vegetables, and has applications as a fresh product and the potential for being processed into nutrient supplements and/or orange-yellow natural colourants (Figure 1). Its mild flavour gives it great potential for incorporation into a wide range of food products. This report outlines the preliminary research conducted on growing and producing the crop which could be used as an introductory guide for growers wanting to set up their own trial, once planting material becomes more available. The current and potential markets for the fruits and processed fruit products highlight how a gac industry could develop in Australia based on the sale of fresh fruits and freeze-dried powders made from the fruits.