BOTTLE GOURD

Geek talk: Calabash But we talk: calabaza de botella (Spanish), laukī (Hindi), Sorakkai (Tamil) Description: The calabash was one of the first cultivated plants in the world, it was grown not for food but due to its utility as a container. It was named for the calabash tree (Crescentia cujete). The word calabash has its origin been credited to multiple sources like Spanish calabaza Arabic qar’a yabisa “dry gourd,” from Persian kharabuz, and also from a pre-Roman Iberian *calapaccia [1]It is herbaceous plant with long, strong tendrils and simple leaves. The most common variants are the light green and dark green with light green spots. The plant has thick vines with large white flowers that open only at night. [2] It is believed to be originated in Africa but now it is cultivated largely in humid weather of India, Sri Lanka and other tropical countries. The juice of lauki is considered to have many medicinal properties and is very good for health. [1] . Kitchen Pharmacy: Bottle gourd is believed to help the liver function in a balanced fashion The juice from the leaves help cure jaundice and the juice from the gourd helps reduce graying of hair. It is rich in, thiamin, vitamin C, zinc, iron and magnesium thus helping in improving overall health. It helps fight constipation, as it is fiber rich.

Origin: Africa

  References:

1. http://www.vahrehvah.com/indianfood/lauki-or-bottle-gourd/
2. http://archaeology.about.com/od/bterms/qt/bottle_gourd.htm
3. http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/nutritional-guard-bottle-gourd.htm