128 | Teasel Gourd

Description

Teasel Gourd

Teasel gourd is small to medium in size, with an average diameter of 1 to 3 centimeters and a length of 2 to 7 centimeters. They are ovally elongated, tapering to a small point at the non-stem end. The surface of the squash is covered with a thick layer of soft, flexible spines, and each squash is connected to a long, thin, flexible green stem. Pumpkins mature from dark green to light green, eventually developing yellow-tipped panicles over time. Also, when you squeeze the pumpkin, it feels a little firm. When overripe, the pumpkin becomes a deep orange color. Beneath the spiny surface, the pulp is white to green, crisp, watery, and spongy, containing a few to a few small cream-to-brown seeds. As ripening progresses, the flesh around the seeds turns bright red, indicating that the fruit is overripe. People consume it at the green stage. It has a splash of yellow and a more bitter hue. When you cut the squash, it exudes fresh green aromas and a mild, sweet, bitter, woody, and vegetal taste.

Season/Availability

Teasel Gourd is commonly available throughout Southeast Asia during the monsoon season from June to September. current facts
Cardoon gourd, botanically classified as Momordica dioica, is a small, seasonal fruit of a vine in the Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbitaceae) family. The vine is fast-growing, reaching 2-3 meters or more in length, and grows in tropical climates around the world, with many plants found in Southeast Asia, especially India. Cardoon gourd is also known as prickly pear, porcupine gourd, gourd, and bristle balsam pear. The squash has the same spiny qualities as the European wild cardoon, which forms a spiny flower head, hence the nickname “curdow”.  People cook as a vegetable in various curries, soups, stews and stir-fries. Besides culinary use, Farmers  plant the vine  in home gardens as an ornamental, appreciated for its colorful gourd and climbing qualities.

Nutritional value

Teasel Gourd contains fiber that regulates the digestive tract, vitamin C that boosts the immune system, and beta-carotene, a compound that the body converts to vitamin A to help maintain healthy organ function. Pumpkin also contains iron for forming the protein hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen through the bloodstream, potassium, which helps balance fluid levels in the body, and antioxidants for protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also provides antioxidants. Teasel Gourd uses in Ayurveda  to have analgesic and antibiotic-like properties that relieve coughs, allergies, and cold symptoms.

Application

People eat Teasel Gourd  whole and are suitable for cooking dishes such as roasting, roasting and baking.  Basically people cut it  in half or seeded into smaller pieces and cook into fritters known as fagira podi. Before frying the pumpkin, the inside is hollowed out and the pulp is  with spices and chilies to create a flavorful filling. This mixture is stuffed inside pumpkins, dipped in batter and fried until golden and crisp. People stuff it  with flavors such as coconut and mustard and mixed into curries, soups and stews. Some of the most famous gourd dishes in the western states of India include kantra curry, kantra fish fry and gourd recipes.

Health benefits of Teasel Gourd

If you want great nutrition along with seasonal freshness, this low-calorie seasonal vegetable with a great nutritional profile offers the following health benefits:

Keep bacterial infections at bay

Teasel Gourd has anti-allergic and analgesic properties that help prevent seasonal coughs, colds, and other allergies.

Fight cardiovascular disease

A great source of phytonutrients, it is beneficial for heart health and helps prevent various chronic cardiovascular diseases.

Helps you lose weight

It is extremely high in water and fiber, which keeps the body full, reduces overall calorie intake, and automatically promotes weight loss.

Regulate blood sugar

Teasel Gourd has a very high fiber content that supports an efficient metabolism, promotes digestion and relieves chronic constipation. Additionally, this vegetable is high in fiber content and low in calories, making it an ideal choice for diabetics. improve eyesight
Lutein is an essential carotenoid that prevents various eye diseases and promotes eye health. It is rich in carotenoids, beta-carotene, and vitamin A, all of which are important nutrients for good vision and can help improve vision.

Fight cancer

It is a rich source of vitamin C. This natural antioxidant removes toxic free radicals from the body.

improves skin health

Teasel Gourd contains various flavonoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which have powerful anti-aging effects. This vegetable is also rich in antioxidants and protective scavengers to fight free radicals in the body.

Despite its odd consistency, gourds are rich in health and beneficial benefits, making them a must-have on your monsoon vegetable shopping list. It looks like bitter gourd, but it is not bitter at all. So! To learn more about the amazing benefits of this spiny vegetable, here are some delicious recipes.