Gourds are part of the squash or cucurbit family, along with pumpkins, melons, squash, and cucumbers. Gourd vegetables also grow on long vines as their relatives do. There are three main categories of gourds. Cucurbit gourds have thick, colourful shells, ornate designs, and occasionally warts. Lagenaria Gourds are larger and have a wide range of aesthetic and practical uses. The bottle, basket, and dipper Gourds are under this category. The luffa gourd is in the third group. The fruit of this plant is long and includes a fibrous substance that serves as a sponge. Most gourds are purely ornamental, but a few, when picked when they are young, can be eaten like summer squash.
Gourd Vegetables names list
The main benefit of growing gourd vegetables is that you can use their fresh, healthy fruits right away and use them in a variety of recipes. Gourd vegetables are widely grown. The gourd vegetables are listed below, along with some benefits and uses.
Sponge Gourd
The sponge gourd variant, measures about 30 centimetres long. This vegetable has a form and size similar to a cucumber. Another name for the sponge gourd is Luffa cylindrica. It is sometimes grown for decorative purposes. The Sponge gourd grows best when supported by a trellis. Since it typically needs a lot of heat and water to grow, India has started exporting more sponge Gourds over time.
Sponge gourd benefits
- It is said that the sponge gourd is a potent blood purifier. Additionally, it enhances liver health and lessens alcohol’s harmful effects.
- The sponge gourd is rumoured to lessen artery blockages and may even aid in treating specific ailments.
- People living with Jaundice also receive sponge gourd juice. Jaundice is supposed to be treated by its purported medicinal effects.
- The sponge gourd is rich in dietary fibre and contains essential nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, iron, and magnesium.
- Sponge gourd is thought to aid in weight loss because it has less saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories.
Bottle Gourd
Among the healthiest vegetables is the bottled gourd. The bottle gourd is a good vegetable with a high-water content (almost 92%). Bottle gourd, which is rich in nutrients, keeps your body moisturised. This vegetable, sometimes called Lauki or Doodhi in India, is a good source of calcium, vitamin K, and C. The export of bottle gourd has been rising over time because of its many uses and advantages.
Bottle Gourd benefits
- The bottle gourd is renowned for cooling down the body. You can stay hydrated by consuming a bottle of gourd juice.
- The bottle gourd is frequently used to lose weight. Its high fibre content is believed to help you stay full for a very long period.
- Urinary tract infections can be treated with bottle gourd, especially when it is juiced.
- Another claim about bottle gourd is that it can treat digestive issues. Constipation and diarrhea are helped by it.
- The condition of your heart is also improved by bottle gourd. It keeps heart health in check and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
Bitter Gourd
A plant with the moniker “bitter gourd” has a bitter flavour. With maturation, the vegetable gets increasingly bitter. Many regions, including Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and East Africa, are home to the bitter gourd plant. Since the dawn, people have used bitter gourd for therapeutic purposes. It has numerous essential elements, including potassium, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and magnesium. The bitter gourd’s wide range of uses and advantages have increased India’s vegetable exports throughout time.
Bitter Gourd Benefits
- Blood sugar levels are reported to be maintained by the bitter gourd. It contains a polypeptide-p, also known as p-insulin, thought to regulate diabetes naturally.
- It is also said that bitter gourd can help lower levels of harmful cholesterol. The juice of the bitter gourd is also said to be anti-inflammatory.
- The bitter gourd is reportedly beneficial for healthy-looking skin and hair. The solid antioxidant capabilities of bitter gourd help to delay the onset of ageing.
- The bitter gourd is used to detoxify the liver and treat hangovers. According to legend, bitter gourd juice cures alcohol intoxication.
- The bitter gourd also aids with weight loss. Calories, fat, and carbohydrates are in moderation. As a result, it keeps you satisfied for longer.
Ridge Gourd
A common vegetable in Indian cuisine is the ridge gourd. The Luffa aegyptiaca, also known as the Luffa cylindrica and Luffa acutangula, is one of its two varieties. This green, squishy vegetable has an unmistakably unappealing flavour. Even though it has a bland and neutral flavour, it has several health advantages, including those that help with immunity, weight loss, and maintaining eye function. Ridge gourd exports from India have increased due to these exports to other nations.
Ridge Gourd Benefits
- The benefits of ridge gourd are numerous. In addition to being incredibly high in dietary fibre, it is fortified with all the necessary nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium, thiamine, riboflavin, and others.
- Ridge gourd is considered beneficial for weight loss because it is low in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
- The ridge gourd has a high-water content and a considerable amount of cellulose. As a result, it aids in avoiding constipation.
- Alkaloids and peptides resembling insulin are also present in ridge gourd and work to lower blood and urine sugar levels.
- Blood purification is another benefit of ridge gourd. It improves and nourishes liver health and guards against alcohol toxicity.
Snake Gourd
Snake gourd is a tropical or subtropical vine also known as Trichosanthes Cucumerina. Snake gourd is also called “Chichinda” or “Padwal” in India. This green vegetable has a long history of being revered for its powerful medicinal properties. In the texts of Ayurveda, it is well documented. The export of snake gourd from India has increased over the years due to the expanding global demand for the plant.
Snake Gourd Benefits
- Snake gourd can help you lose weight more quickly. The snake gourd is nutrient-rich and low in calories.
- The amount of cholesterol in snake gourd is nearly nonexistent. As a result, it can be consumed without risk and is excellent for heart health.
- Additionally, snake gourd aids with kidney detoxification. It encourages the body’s natural excretory system to remove wastes such as kidney stones.
- The digestive system is reported to benefit greatly from snake gourd. It has a lot of fibre, which helps to prevent constipation, bloating, and other problems.
- Snake gourd improves respiratory health. It possesses a unique property that makes it simple to clear any excess mucus or phlegm from the respiratory tract.
Ash Gourd
The fruit known as ash gourd, or Benincasa Hispida, is indigenous to areas of southern Asia. The round or oblong melon that the ash gourd develops into grows on a vine. It resembles a watermelon in both size and colour. Once the fruit has ripened, its initially fuzzy exterior changes into a powdery ash-coloured coating. The flesh of the ash gourd, whose mild flavour is reminiscent of cucumber, is especially well-liked in Chinese and Indian cuisine. Over the past few years, India’s export of ash Gourds has increased.
Ash Gourd Benefits
- Low in calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein is the ash gourd. However, it has a lot of fibre and antioxidants that protect your body from sickness and promote good health.
- The flesh, skin, and vine of the ash gourd are used to make extracts that are thought to provide a variety of potential health advantages. However, further research involving humans is needed in this area.
- A versatile vegetable is the ash gourd. It may be included in salads, soups, and stews. Also, it can be used to make jam, juices, smoothies, ketchup, candied goods, desserts, and baked goods.
Pointed Gourd
The pointed gourd, or Trichosanthes Dioica as it is named technically, is a vine-growing plant in the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumber and squash. It is a delicious vine plant that often grows on a trellis and has heart-shaped leaves. In many regions of India and Bangladesh, the pointed gourd—also known as parwal, Palwal, or parmal—is one of the most significant vegetables. Over the years, India has seen an increase in the export of pointed gourd.
Pointed Gourd Benefits
- The high fibre content of pointed gourds improves intestinal health. Additionally, pointed gourd aids in the treatment of several digestive systems and liver conditions.
- Constipation typically results from inadequate water intake or excessive amounts of minerals like iron. Bitter-pointed gourds are a vegetable suggested for persons who experience constipation because the seeds in these vegetables help pass faces.
- The seeds from pointed gourds aid with blood sugar regulation. Thus, many people living with diabetes are advised to consume pointed gourd.
- The pointed gourd has fewer calories and a lot of fibre. This indicates that it fills you up without causing you to eat too many calories. Thus, those seeking to lose weight are advised to eat pointed gourd.
- According to Ayurveda, a pointed gourd is also known to purify blood. The pointed gourd is excellent in regulating the body’s Kapha energy. Thus, pointed gourd should be consumed by those who have a Kapha imbalance in their bodies.
Little Gourd
Other common names for little gourd are ivy, scarlet gourd, tindora, and Kowai fruit. This tropical vine is mainly cultivated because of its palatable fruits and branches. According to reports, the little gourd is indigenous to Asia and Africa. The three largest producers of Little Gourds worldwide are China, Malaysia, and tropical Africa. The Indian export of small Gourds has been increasing due to the variety of health benefits it offers.
Little Gourd Benefits
- It is claimed that eating ivy gourd leaves helps people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.
- It is also claimed that ivy gourd prevents obesity. It is well recognised to increase metabolism, which prevents fat.
- The little gourd is considered helpful in the Ayurvedic treatment of diabetes. It can raise glucose tolerance and bring down blood sugar levels.
- Little gourds are high in Vitamin C, which is thought to benefit skin health. Additionally, it might aid in the removal of wrinkles and skin allergies.
- Little gourd consumption might also assist in relieving constipation.
Apple Gourd
In India, the apple gourd is called “Tinda.” In South Asia, this vegetable is particularly well-known. In the northern regions of India, Tinda is frequently used in curries. The apple gourd plant has tiny thorns that make it prickly. India is supposedly the natural home of the apple gourd. The use and variety of apple gourd’s health advantages have increased apple gourd export from India.
Apple Gourd Benefits
- The digestive tract responds well to tinda’s mildness and relaxing properties.
- Additionally, anti-inflammatory compounds like carotenoids and other antioxidants help reduce blood pressure, heart conditions, strokes, and other conditions.
- Tinda is thought to stop the development of cancer. Being a vegetable high in water, Tinda helps keep your body healthy and cool.
- This vegetable’s high-water content causes the urine flow to rise, aiding in removing toxins from the body.
- Additionally, Tinda has a lot of fibre, which promotes healthy digestion, lowers stomach acid, and helps to prevent constipation.
Spiny Gourd
The monsoon vegetable known as the “spiny gourd” is typically particularly nutritious. It is low in calories and has several health advantages. Momordica Dioica is its official scientific name. Over the years, India has seen an increase in the export of spiny gourd. You should be aware of these benefits of the spiny gourd,
Spiny Gourd Benefits
- Phytonutrients are thought to be abundant in the spiny gourd. Certain plants contain a chemical known as phytonutrients that are thought to be good for human health and prevent some ailments.
- The monsoon season is typically when one may find spiny gourd, which helps ward off seasonal allergies, colds, and coughs. It possesses analgesic and anti-allergenic qualities.
- Due to its high content of plant insulin, spiny gourd also lowers blood sugar levels in diabetic people.
- The carotenoids found in spiny gourd aid in preventing several eye conditions, cardiovascular conditions, and even some cancers.
Gourds vegetables: Growing and harvesting
Gourd vegetables require a lengthy hot season (95 to 130 days) to grow, so if you don’t have long summers where you live, you might wish to start your gourd plants indoors. You have to give the plants lots of sunlight, space to develop, and, if you can, a trellis so they may climb.
In addition, allow the gourds to finish maturing on the vine, except the luffa gourd, which is plucked before the skin completely hardens. Use a sharp knife or garden snips to harvest the stem as it starts to dry and turn brown. Keep the stem at a short length. To prevent bruising, handle the fruit carefully. To get rid of dirt, wash the gourd with soapy water. The gourds should then be cleaned with a soft cloth dampened with a home disinfectant before being allowed to air dry or to dry.
Therefore, spread the clean fruit in a single layer on newspaper or shelves and cure them in a well-ventilated garage or shed. They shouldn’t come in contact. Every few days, rotate each gourd and eliminate any that appear to be rotting. It will take several weeks to cure; when you shake them and hear the seeds rattling, they are fully dry. Dried Gourds can be used for crafts and decoration after being painted, shellacked, waxed, or any combination.
Are watermelons a gourd?
Watermelon belongs to the cucurbitaceae plant family of gourds. It is classified as Citrullus lantus and relates to the cucumber, squash and pumpkin.
However, gourds are classified under Cucurbita and Lagenaria genera whereas melons, are classified under the Citrullus and Cucumis. Melons and gourds grow into vines and produce yellow flowers, except bottle gourds. However, they differ in terms of shape, use and their nutritional value.
Is gourd good for diabetics?
Bottle Gourd, also known as Lauki, is known to be beneficial for diabetic patients. The vegetable has plenty of water and fibre content. Consumption of bottle gourd or lauki juice helps in lowering of blood glucose levels.
Is a zucchini a gourd?
Zucchini plant is a type of gourd. The plants are a type of summer squash, which are harvested while they are young. Thus, the skin are tender and edible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vegetables made of gourds are rich in vitamins, minerals, carbs, and other nutrients. Gourds vegetables also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are lovely and chock-full of fibre, vitamins, and other vital nutrients.
FAQs
What kind of gourd is perfect?
One of the most popular vegetables in India is the ridge gourd. The cuisines of various states use them in a variety of ways. The name comes from the firmness and widespread ridges of these gourds. They support weight loss, digestion, and diabetes.
What varieties of gourds are there?
Lagenaria's include spotted dipper gourds, swan gourds, penguin or Powderhorn Gourds, bottle Gourds, and even a plant known as caveman's club. Hard-shelled Gourds have been cultivated for over 5,000 years for usage as containers and utensils. The immature Gourds are also edible.
What kind of vegetables comes in gourds?
Melons, cucumbers, watermelons, squash, and pumpkins are five vegetable crops that belong to the Cucurbitaceae family of Gourds. These five crops, originating in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, are members of the genera Cucumis, Citrullus, and Cucurbita.
Does a gourd resemble a zucchini?
The Cucurbita pepo gourd species, including pumpkins and squash, is what the zucchini plant belongs to. Summer squashes like zucchinis are picked when they are young, so the skin is still delicious and delicate.
What can you use a gourd for?
Healthier Digestion: Improved digestion gourds are a rich source of insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion and supports normal cholesterol levels (soluble fiber). Boost immunity: Having a strong immune system is always beneficial, but this is true in the winter when it seems like everyone is sick.