Ash Gourd

 

 

Ash Gourd

 

The White gourd is a vine-grown fruit, eaten as a vegetable. By maturity, the fruit loses its hairs and develops a waxy coating, giving rise to the name wax gourd, and providing a long shelf life. Ash gourd of the Indian subcontinent has the white coating with a rough texture. South East Asian varieties have the smooth surface. In North India, the fruit used in making the famous sweet पेठा petha. In some parts of India especially in villages, people use ash gourd as an auspicious sign by hanging them on the entrance of the house. China, Philippines are another country where Ash Gourd is used commonly in food.

Availability and preservation 

• It is grown in Monsoon season and available just after that.
• Ash Gourd can be stored for about 12 months.
• Do not store it in hot places or under direct sunlight for long.
• Ash gourd may cost from 30 Rs to 80 Rs per KG.
• Even available on some online sites.

Medicinal Uses

As per Ayurveda system of medicine, ash gourd is recognized for its medicinal properties as well.

• Proper diet for diabetics 
• Cures Peptic ulcer
•  Kills intestinal worms 
• Treats constipation 
• Beats acidity
• Acts as blood coagulant
• Treats common cold

 

What is it called?

Common name: 

• White Gourd
• Ash Gourd
• Wax Gourd
• Winter Melon 

Botanical name: Benincasa hispid     
Family: Cucurbitaceae (Pumpkin family)
Synonyms: Benincasa Cerifera, Cucurbita hispid

Regional names:

Sanskrit: brihatphala, ghrinavasa, gramyakarkati, karkaru

Hindi: पेठा Petha, पेठाकद्दू Pethakaddu

Marathi: कोहळा Kohla

Tamil: neer poosanika

Malayalam: കുമ്പളങ്ങ Kumbalanga

Telugu: booDida Gummadikaay

Kannada: budekumbalakayi, boodu gumbal

Bengali: kumra, chalkumra 

Assamese: Komora

Ash-Gourd in Indian cuisines

• Petha - A sweet candy, Agra is known for Tajmahal and Petha.
• South Indian curries - Along with other carbohydrate-rich additions
• Barfi
• Fruit Punch
• Soup
• Dosa

References:

http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/White%20Gourd.html