Gourd is a term used to describe several varieties of squashes, including bottle gourds and snake gourds. These vegetables are commonly used in Asian and Indian cuisines, where they are valued for their mild flavor and tender flesh. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and water content, gourds are low in calories and are often used in soups, stir-fries, and curries. The neutral taste of gourds allows them to absorb the flavors of spices and other ingredients in cooked dishes, making them a flexible and healthy option for a variety of meals.
As a rich source of antioxidants, flavonoids, and other polyphenol compounds, bitter gourd may help to reduce your risks for a number of health issues. Bitter gourd is packed with polyphenols. These compounds are known for their ability to lower inflammation in the body. Dosage: It's advisable to start with small quantities (around 30-50 ml) of fresh bitter gourd juice daily, gradually increasing the intake to gauge individual tolerance. Side Effects: Excessive consumption of bitter gourd juice may lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a vegetable known for its distinct bitter flavor and numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins C and A, as well as compounds believed to lower blood sugar levels, bitter gourd is often used in traditional medicine. It is commonly stir-fried, stuffed, or cooked in curries, and is particularly popular in Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Despite its strong taste, bitter gourd is appreciated for its potential to improve digestion and regulate blood sugar, making it a unique and health-boosting vegetable.
PRODUCT INFO Snake gourds range from small to very large in size and are elongated, slender, curved, or straight. There are two different categories of Snake gourds. One type is extremely long with hard skin and is grown for ornamental purposes, and the other type ranges in size and is grown for eating and medicinal purposes. Snake gourds that are used for consumption have waxy green skin and are often speckled or striped with a lighter shade of green. The fruit is typically consumed when young, with longer varieties averaging 40-45 centimeters in length and smaller varieties 15-20 centimeters in length. The gourd may grow straight or in twisted curls and spirals. When Snake gourds are young, the seeds are fairly non-existent, the pulp around the seed mass is firm, and the flavor is mild and similar to a cucumber. As it matures, the rind becomes hard, turns red, and the flavor becomes bitter and gelatinous with many seeds. Snake gourds contain iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, vitamins A, B, and C, fiber, calcium, and phosphorus. USES Snake gourds are best suited for cooked applications such as stir-frying, baking, stuffing, and boiling. They can be prepared and used like zucchini, sauteed and served as a side dish or added to dishes with other sauteed vegetables. They can also be added to sabzi, chopped into curries, stuffed and grilled, made into a chutney, fried, blended into soups, sliced into stir-fries, or pickled for extended use. When the gourd is mature, the seed mass within is scraped out and used like tomato paste in various Indian dishes. Snake gourds pair well with turmeric, cumin, coriander, mustard, red chiles, curry leaves, coconut, onion, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkin, lentils, tofu, poultry, pork, and beef. They will keep for 2-3 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. SEASONS Snake gourds are available in the late summer through fall.
Bottle Gourd
Pointed Gourd
Wax gourd
Pointed gourd, also known as parwal or potol, is a small, green vegetable that is commonly used in Indian cooking. Its soft texture and mildly sweet flavor make it a versatile ingredient in curries, stir-fries, and stews. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, pointed gourd supports digestive health and boosts immunity. It can be cooked with various spices to enhance its flavor, and is often paired with potatoes or lentils in traditional dishes. Its tender flesh and subtle taste make pointed gourd a popular vegetable for everyday meals.
Ridge gourd is a tender, mild-flavored vegetable often used in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking. Its sponge-like texture allows it to absorb the flavors of the spices and sauces it is cooked with, making it a popular ingredient in curries, stir-fries, and soups. Ridge gourd is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and supports digestive health. It is commonly cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, and can also be eaten in its raw form in salads. Its mild taste and versatility make ridge gourd a staple in many vegetarian dishes.
Bittergourd
