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 it 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,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 helps in loosening pus and phlegm in the sinuses and respiratory reacts so that they can be eliminated.
4.Hair care:
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 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 fibre thus aiding weight management
Side effects of snake gourd:
1.Avoid snake gourd consumption in excess during pregnancy and while you are breast feeding.It is beneficial if it is consumed in less quantities.
2.It can harm the foetus if eaten in large quantities.
How to buy and store snake gourd?
Fun facts of snake gourd:
1.Snake gourd is a member of the pumpkin family.
2.The fruit becomes too bitter to eat as it reaches maturity.
3.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 are yellow,puffy and have sunken water soaked area or are wrinkled at their tips.
4.Store it in a cool dry place,in an air tight 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:
1.1 cup toovar dal
2.500 grams snake gourd ,peeled and chopped
3.1tbsp oil
4.1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
5.1 tsp cumin seeds
6.1 tsp mustard seeds
7.2 tomatoes
8.1 tsp coriander seeds powder
9.Salt to taste
To blend to a paste
1.1 tsp cumin seeds
2.2 tbsp freshly grated coconut
3.1 tbsp roasted chana dal
4.2 green chillies
5.1 tsp coriander seeds powder
6.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 add 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,chilli powder and mix well.
3.Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
South Indian Dish:
Snake gourd raita:
Ingredients:
1.1 long snake gourd
2.4 cups yogurt
3.1 onion
4.4 crushed green chillies
5.Curry leaves
6.Pinch of asafoetida
7.Salt to taste
8.1/2 tsp cumin seeds
9.1/2 tsp mustard seeds
10.1tbsp oil.
Method:
1.Peel,wash snake gourd and cut into pieces
2.Boil the pieces in cups of water until they become soft
3.Take a curd in a bowl,add salt
4.Heat the oil in a small pan.
5.Add the cumin seeds,curry leaves and onion.Saute for 2 minutes.
6.Add the boiled snake gourd pieces to it and saute for 2 min.
7.Keep aside and allow it cool.
8.Later add the curds and serve immediately.
