Description

🥒 Green snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) is a long, slender vegetable with a coiled, serpentine shape and pale green stripes—hence the name! It’s a staple in Indian and Southeast Asian kitchens and is prized for its mild flavor, cooling properties, and impressive health benefits.

🌿 Botanical & Growing Profile

• Family: Cucurbitaceae (same as cucumber and pumpkin)
• Growth habit: Vigorous climbing vine; needs trellis or fencing
• Fruit: Long, green, cylindrical with white streaks; tender when young
• Climate: Thrives in warm, humid regions like Kerala
• Soil: Loamy, well-drained; pH 6.0–7.5
• Harvest: 60–70 days after sowing; pick when fruits are firm and green

🧪 Nutrition Highlights (per 100g)

💚 Health Benefits

• Digestive support: High fiber helps prevent constipation and bloating
• Weight management: Low in calories, high in water—great for satiety
• Cooling effect: Traditionally used to reduce body heat and soothe inflammation
• Heart health: Zero cholesterol and rich in potassium
• Diabetes-friendly: May help regulate blood sugar levels2

🍽️ Culinary Uses

• South Indian dishes: Stir-fries, sambars, kootu, and chutneys
• Stuffed snake gourd: Filled with spiced coconut or lentil mix
• Juice: Used in Ayurvedic remedies for digestion and detox
• Pickled or sautéed: Mild flavor pairs well with mustard seeds and curry leaves