Squash Gourd
Squash, also called fuzzy melon, winter melon and winter gourd. It is a member of the cucurbit family (cucumber), hence its fruits sprout from sprawling vines. The plant is cultivated for its fruit, however, its leaves, shoots and tendrils can be used as cooking or salad greens. Squash has the initial appearance of a faintly spotted cucumber or zucchini. Its mellow flavor makes it a great companion vegetable to bolder flavored ingredients and rich proteins.
Squash can be eaten raw, sautéed, stewed, roasted and fried. Winter melon tea, another Asian drink is also made from this fruit. Not only the melons, leaves and shoots of this plant are also nutritious and hence consumed as green vegetables. It can be blended into smoothie with lime and salt.
Squash has several vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, calcium, riboflavin, iron, thiamine, niacin and Vitamin C. It is used in Ayurvedic treatments for regaining appetite and treating chapped lips, a powder made by grinding the seeds of this fruit vegetable can be applied. Juice of this fruit / vegetable is also accepted as a remedy for kidney stones.
Squash can be eaten raw, sautéed, stewed, roasted and fried. Winter melon tea, another Asian drink is also made from this fruit. Not only the melons, leaves and shoots of this plant are also nutritious and hence consumed as green vegetables. It can be blended into smoothie with lime and salt.
Squash has several vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, calcium, riboflavin, iron, thiamine, niacin and Vitamin C. It is used in Ayurvedic treatments for regaining appetite and treating chapped lips, a powder made by grinding the seeds of this fruit vegetable can be applied. Juice of this fruit / vegetable is also accepted as a remedy for kidney stones.
Seasonality
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Varieties
WELL-KNOWN FOR
A cylindrical-shaped fruit
Taste: mildly flavored
Texture: firm
Taste: mildly flavored
Texture: firm
SIZE
35 - 40 cm
APPEARANCE
Dark-green colored rind with many lightgreen spots
A firm, white flesh
Thin and firm rind covered with numerous white and soft hairs without waxy bloom
A firm, white flesh
Thin and firm rind covered with numerous white and soft hairs without waxy bloom