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Pointed Gourd Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to pointed gourds
The pointed gourd, whose scientific name is Trichosanthes Dioica, is part of a vine plant and is similar to squash and cucumber. This plant is a perennial, which differentiates it from those that grow cucumbers and squash. It has both male and female parts and grows on a trellis, featuring heart-shaped leaves. The fruits from the plant are green and may have white stripes or solid-colored skin.
The size of pointed gourds varies from 2 to 6 inches in length, while the shape varies from round to elongated. During the winter season, the plant is dormant. It grows best in sandy loam with good drainage, as it can become waterlogged. The pointed gourd is native to India and is grown particularly in eastern India and some parts of northern India. It's heavily cultivated in the states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
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FAQs about pointed gourds
Yes! The pointed gourd has many health benefits. According to Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic healing system practiced in many regions of India, the pointed gourd helps regulate and purify the blood. Those who practice this medicinal system believe that consumption of the gourd's flesh can clean the blood and tissues, purify the skin, and remove impurities from the bloodstream. It's also nutrient-rich and low in carbohydrates, making the gourd an excellent addition to many dishes.
No, you should not eat the pointed gourd flesh without cooking it. This vegetable has toxins in its raw form, which can impact your health. You can dice and saute or stir-fry pointed gourd in your favorite dishes, as it pairs well with other vegetables and meats. People in India also stuff pointed gourds with other ingredients and roast them to bring out the flavors. You might try shredding the flesh and adding it to recipes that call for shredded cucumber or zucchini for an interesting spin on various dishes.
Since the pointed gourd is mainly grown in India and Bangladesh, it's typically sold at Indian and Asian grocery stores and supermarkets that offer fresh produce.