Snake Gourd

Snake gourd is a vine plant that climbs up a tree and then unfurls its flowers and fruits to hang down to the ground. The taste is bitter but this often disappears when cooking.

Nutrition Facts:

1. Snake gourd contains a rich variety of nutrients, vitamins, minerals that are essential for human health including significant levels of dietary fiber, a small number of calories and high levels of protein.

Health benefits of snake gourd:

1. Reduces fever:
Snake gourd can be turned into a decoction and given to people suffering from fever.

2.Treats digestive issues:
The fiber content of snake gourd can help anyone with bowel disorders and can reduce cramping, bloating.

3.Improves respiratory system:
They help in loosening pus and phlegm in the sinuses and respiratory react so that they can be eliminated.

4.Haircare:
People suffering from alopecia, snake gourd is said to stimulate the growth of new hair and protect weakening follicles from hair loss. It also helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of dandruff.

5.Lowers the impact of Diabetes:
Snake gourd is great for people with type 2 diabetes, it is low in calories and helps in weight management.

6.Aids weight management:
Snake gourd has low calories and no fat content in it. It also contains important nutrients along with water and fiber thus aiding weight management

Side effects of snake gourd:

1. Avoid snake gourd consumption in excess during pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding. It is beneficial if it is consumed in fewer quantities.
2. It can harm the fetus if eaten in large quantities.
   How to buy and store snake gourd?

Fun facts of snake gourd:

• Snake gourd is a member of the pumpkin family.
• The fruit becomes too bitter to eat as it reaches maturity.
• It is locally grown as a vegetable in home gardens in Africa.

How to buy and store snake gourd?

1. Snake gourd should be firm, smooth light green to dark green.
2. Don’t buy it if has bruises or soft spots
3. Avoid snake gourd that is yellow, puffy and has a sunken water-soaked area or is wrinkled at their tips.
4. Store it in a cool dry place, in an airtight container preferably in the refrigerator.

North Indian Dish:

Snake-gourd dal ( Padwal Dal):

Nutrients Values:

• Energy- 84 calories
• Protein- 2g
• Carbohydrates-10g
• Fat-4g

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toovar dal
• 500 grams snake gourd, peeled and chopped
• 1tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 tsp coriander seeds powder
• Salt to taste

To blend to a paste

• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp freshly grated coconut
• 1 tbsp roasted chana dal
• 2 green chilies
• 1 tsp coriander seeds powder
• Water as required.

Method:

1. Clean, wash and pressure cook the toovar dal and snake gourd in enough water for 2 to 3 whistles.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds
3. When the seeds crackle adds the ginger and saute for a minute.
4. Add the cooked snake gourd and saute till the oil leaves the sides of the pan.
5. Add coriander powder and tomatoes and saute until the tomatoes are cooked.
6. Add the ground paste and saute for 3 minutes.
7. Add the cooked dal, 2 cups of water and bring to boil.

How to proceed:

1. Heat the oil in a small pan, add the snake gourd seeds and saute till they turn soft.
2. Pout this tempering on the dal, sprinkle the salt, chili powder and mix well.
3. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

South Indian Dish:

Snake gourd raita:

Ingredients:

• 1 long snake gourd
• 4 cups yogurt
• 1 onion
• 4 crushed green chilies
• Curry leaves
• Pinch of asafoetida
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1tbsp oil.

Method:

• Peel, wash snake gourd and cut into pieces
• Boil the pieces in cups of water until they become soft
• Take curd in a bowl, add salt.
• Heat the oil in a small pan.
• Add the cumin seeds, curry leaves, and onion. Saute for 2 minutes.
• Add the boiled snake gourd pieces to it and saute for 2 min.
• Keep aside and allow it cool.
• Later add the curds and serve immediately.