This website uses cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies to personalize content, analyze how our site and apps are used, and create aggregated statistics.
We disclose data about site and app users to third parties so we can target our ads to you on other websites, and those third parties may use that data for their own purposes.
For more information on how we collect, use, and disclose this information, please review our
Privacy Policy.
Continued use of this site means you consent to our Privacy Policy.
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.
Seasons/Availability
Snake gourds are available in the late summer through fall.
Current Facts
Snake gourds, botanically classified as Trichosanthes cucumerina, grow on annual, tropical vines and are some of the longest gourds in the world, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Also known as the Serpent gourd, Snake squash, Club gourd, Chichinda, Padwal, and Pudalangai in the southern states of India, Snake gourds can grow 1-2 meters in length and when dried, can be made into a didgeridoo, an Australian aboriginal wind instrument. There are several varieties of Snake gourd that are cultivated and grown in India and other areas of the sub-tropics, and they are favored by chefs for their mild flavor and large size.
Nutritional Value
Snake gourds contain iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, vitamins A, B, and C, fiber, calcium, and phosphorus.
Applications
Snake gourds are best suited for cooked applications such as stir-frying, baking, stuffing, and boiling. They can be prepared and used like zucchini, sautéed and served as a side dish or added to dishes with other sautéed 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.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Ayurveda, the ancient medical system of India, the Snake gourd serves multiple purposes and acts as a cooling ingredient. Ingesting the fruit, leaves, and flowers of the Snake gourd plant is believed to help aid in digestive disorders, diabetes, and skin diseases. Snake gourds are also believed to help in the treatment of a variety of ailments such as fever, low immunity, general debility, frequent urination, hair loss, and obesity.
Geography/History
Snake gourds are native to Asia and were originally domesticated in India. The seeds were then transported from China to Europe via traders in the early 18th century and were believed to have been planted at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson in 1820. Today there are many different varieties of Snake gourds growing across the world, and they can be found at local markets and specialty grocers in Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Western Pacific, Africa, Madagascar, and in Florida in the United States.
Super Market Dimapur
2, Family Recreation Center, Super Market Ln, Bank Colony, Half Nagarjan, Dimapur, Nagaland 797112, India
Snake gourds can grow in straight or twisted shapes and come in two categories. One type is long with hard skin, used as decoration, while the other is smaller, grown for eating and medicinal purposes. When young, their waxy green skin often has light green streaks, and the flavor is mild like a cucumber. As they mature, the rind hardens, turns red, the flavor becomes bitter, and they develop numerous seeds with a gelatinous texture.
Snake gourd imported from India at the Little India market next to Tekka Centre in SingaporeSnake gourd is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It can be sautéed, stuffed, grilled, or blended into soups. Additionally, it pairs well with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, as well as ingredients such as coconut, onion, potatoes, lentils, and even various meats. When ripe, its seed mass can be scraped out and used like tomato paste in Indian dishes. Properly stored in refrigeration, it lasts up to 2-3 weeks.
Snake gourds are among the longest gourds in the world, with the ability to grow 1-2 meters in length. These tropical vines belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and are also known as Serpent gourd, Snake squash, Chichinda, and Pudalangai in various regions. When dried, they can even be crafted into a didgeridoo, the Australian Aboriginal wind instrument. Snake gourds are prized for their mild flavor and large size in culinary applications.
Snake gourds were originally domesticated in India and spread to Europe through traders from China in the early 18th century. They were even planted by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello in 1820. Today, snake gourds grow in diverse regions, including Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Western Pacific, Africa, Madagascar, and Florida in the United States. They are commonly available at local markets and specialty grocers within these areas.
Snake gourd: In Ayurveda, the Snake gourd is valued for its cooling properties and its diverse applications. Its fruit, leaves, and flowers are utilized to support digestive health, manage diabetes, and address skin conditions. Additionally, it is believed to aid in mitigating symptoms of fever, low immunity, general debility, frequent urination, hair loss, and obesity. This versatile plant has long been an important component in traditional remedies.
Snake gourds come in two main categories: one with hard skin for ornamental use and another for eating and medicinal purposes. Edible varieties have waxy green skin with speckles or stripes and are best consumed when young. Young gourds have a firm pulp with a mild cucumber-like flavor, while mature ones develop a harder rind, red color, bitter flavor, and many seeds. They can grow straight or in twisted spirals, ranging from 15 to 45 centimeters in length.
Ulam Melayu Enterprise
TS-91
Snake gourds are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Use them like zucchini by sautéing, stuffing, or grilling, or try adding them to curries, soups, or chutneys. Mature gourds have seeds that can be scraped out and used like tomato paste. Snake gourds pair wonderfully with spices like turmeric, cumin, and mustard, as well as ingredients like coconut, potatoes, and lentils. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
Snake gourds, or Trichosanthes cucumerina, are among the longest gourds in the world, reaching lengths of 1-2 meters. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, these gourds are also known regionally as Club gourd, Padwal, and Pudalangai. They offer a mild flavor, making them a favorite in culinary use. Nutritionally, they pack iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, vitamins A, B, and C, fiber, calcium, and phosphorus. Interestingly, dried Snake gourds can be transformed into a didgeridoo.
Carrefour supermarket
Mall of the Emirates - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Snake gourd from India…Snake gourds are native to Asia and were originally domesticated in India. In the early 18th century, their seeds traveled from China to Europe through traders and later reached Monticello, where Thomas Jefferson planted them in 1820. Today, these gourds are grown worldwide, including Asia, Australia, the Western Pacific, Africa, Madagascar, and Florida markets in the United States.
Tekka Market
665 Buffalo Rd, Singapore 210665
Ayurveda regards the Snake gourd as a versatile ingredient with medicinal benefits. Consuming its fruit, leaves, and flowers is associated with relief from digestive disorders, diabetes, and skin diseases. Additionally, it is traditionally thought to assist in managing conditions like fever, low immunity, debility, frequent urination, hair loss, and obesity, all while providing a cooling effect to the body.