🥒 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)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~20 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~4.6 g |
| Protein | ~0.6 g |
| Fiber | ~0.6 g |
| Vitamin C | ~8.4 mg |
| Vitamin A | ~19 µg |
| Potassium | ~98 mg |
| Calcium | ~20 mg |
| Iron | ~0.2 mg |
đź’š 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 levels
🍽️ 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
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