Spiny gourd is one of the most medicinal fruits in the cucurbitaceous family and is a remarkably underappreciated plant. The spine gourd, which has its origins in the Indo-Malayan region, is now widely grown throughout Southeast Asia, Polynesia, some regions of Africa, and South America. On India, it grows untamed in mountains that are about 5000 feet above sea level.
It is naturally unattractive due to the vegetable's prickly green exterior. However, kantola, as it is often called, is a monsoon vegetable that is not only wholesome but also low in calories. Momordica dioica is its scientific name; it is also referred to as the spiny gourd, spine gourd, bristly balsam pear, prickly carolaho, and teasle gourd. The kantola, also known as kakrol or khekhsa in other languages, is known as Baad karela in Rajasthan. As it primarily grows on hedges, but is frequently seen climbing on khejri or kair trees. The spiny gourds are roasted in Bengal until they are faintly caramelised after being packed with poppy seed paste. Seasonal veggies are excellent if you want to consume regular amounts of nourishment while yet being economical. The capacity of seasonal fruits and vegetables to prevent flu and other seasonal illnesses is one of the best things about include them in your diet.
As a diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, antivenom, antidiabetic, and antidepressant, Meetha Karela fruit protects the liver. Its leaves fight worms and have aphrodisiac, antihemorroidal, and analgesic properties. The fruit is highly advised for those with diabetes and hypertension both raw and cooked. To cure discomfort, a paste made from the leaf juice combined with coconut, pepper, red sandalwood, and a few other ingredients is applied to the forehead. The jelly tuber of the spine gourd is spermicidal, antifertility, and functions as an abortion producing agent. The root juice is astringent, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic. It is amazing how different portions of the same plant can have diverse characteristics.
Spine Gourd is also excellent from a dermatological perspective. When applied all over the body during a fever, the root paste has sedative properties. Leaf paste can be applied topically to treat skin conditions like acne and pimples, while roasted seeds can be applied topically to treat eczema.
The advantages of spine gourd are numerous, so the next time you see this seasonal vegetable at your neighbourhood market, be sure to buy some and make below mentioned recipe.
Ingredients:
¼ tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
2 onions(slices)
5 garlic cloves
¼ tsp cumin seeds
¼ tsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp oil
200g Spiny gourd, diced
2 tomatoes(chopped)
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
½ bunch coriander leaves(chopped)
Method:
Pour some oil into the pan. When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds start to sputter, add the cumin seeds. After the cumin seeds have sputtered, add the crushed garlic, sliced onions, salt, and saute for a minute. Next, add the turmeric powder, chopped tomato, chilly powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook for two minutes. After adding the spiny gourd, cover the pan and cook it for a while, add the chopped coriander. Serve with hot chapatis.
