Vegetables are known for their remarkable health-boosting properties, and ridge gourd is one such highly nutritious vegetable. It not only enhances the taste of various dishes but also supports overall health in many ways. This article explains the plant description, cultivation practices, nutritional value, health benefits, uses, precautions, and FAQs related to ridge gourd.
Plant Description
Ridge gourd is an annual climbing plant known for its long, ridged fruits. Its stem is five-angled with distinct ribs and nodes. The plant grows like a creeper, supported by numerous tendrils, which help it climb.
Key Features
- Fruit: Long, cylindrical, light to dark green, with prominent ridges.
- Leaves: Star-shaped or heart-shaped, dark green on the front and lighter at the back.
- Flowers: Small yellow flowers with five petals. Both male and female flowers occur on the same plant.
- Season: Grows best in summer.
Cultivation
Ridge gourd requires:
- Well-drained soil rich in organic matter
- Soil pH between 6.5–7.5
- Plantation during July and January
- About 1.5 kg seeds per hectare
Before sowing, seeds are treated with Trichoderma viride (4g) or Pseudomonas fluorescens (10g/kg).
Pits measuring 30×30×30 cm, spaced 2.5×2 m, are prepared. Around 5 seeds per pit are sown, and after 15 days, seedlings are thinned to two per pit.Ridge gourd requires ample watering for healthy growth.
Regional Names of Ridge Gourd
| Language | Name |
| English | Ridge Gourd, Chinese Okra, Sponge Gourd |
| Hindi | Nenua, Gilki, Chikni Turai, Torai, Kalitori |
| Marathi | Kadhai, Dodka |
| Bengali | Jhinga |
| Telugu | Beerakaya |
| Kannada | Hirekai |
| Malayalam | Peechinga |
| Tamil | Pirkkankai |
| Gujarati | Turia, Sirola |
| Konkani | Ghosale |
| Odia | Janchi, Jahni |
| Punjabi | Kalitori |
| Tulu | Peerae |
| Kashmiri | Turrei |
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Rosids
- Order: Cucurbitales
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Genus: Luffa
- Species: L. acutangula
- Scientific Name: Luffa acutangula
Nutritional Value (per 100 g)
- Energy: 65 kcal
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 21 mg
- Potassium: 453 mg
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fibre: 2.9 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
- Vitamin A: 260 IU
- Vitamin C: 9%
- Vitamin B6: 5%
- Iron: 2%
- Magnesium: 5%
Major Ridge Gourd Health Benefits
1. Promotes Eye Health: Rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, ridge gourd helps improve vision, reduces the risk of macular degeneration, and protects eye tissues from harmful free radicals.
2. Relieves Constipation: Ridge gourd contains high water content and dietary fibre (cellulose), which supports smooth bowel movement and relieves constipation naturally.
3. Supports Liver Health: It helps detoxify the liver by removing toxins, alcohol residues, and waste. Ridge gourd also improves bile production, aiding fat digestion and helping in conditions like jaundice.
4. Helps in Weight Loss: This vegetable is low in calories, fat-free, and cholesterol-free. It boosts digestion, prevents fat accumulation, and helps regulate blood sugar — making it ideal for weight-management diets.
Additional Ridge Gourd Health Benefits
1. Beneficial for Diabetics: Low in sugar but high in fibre, ridge gourd controls hunger, prevents sudden sugar spikes after meals, enhances metabolism, and improves insulin activity.
2. Helps Reduce Anemia Symptoms: Ridge gourd contains iron and vitamin B6, both essential for red blood cell formation. Regular intake helps reduce weakness, fatigue, and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia.
3. Improves Skin Health: Loaded with vitamin C and vitamin A, it removes toxins, prevents acne, reduces dark spots, and promotes clean, glowing skin through enhanced blood circulation.
4. Balances Body Heat: Its high water content helps cool the body. Essential minerals like potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium reduce acidity, restore electrolytes, and prevent dehydration.
5. Other Benefits
Ridge gourd is known for its:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Anti-allergic effects
- Cerebroprotective benefits
These help reduce inflammation, allergies, and support nerve health.
Uses of Ridge Gourd
- Commonly used in curries, fries, soups, salads, and traditional sweets like ridge gourd halwa.
- Its juice is used in home remedies for certain minor ailments.
- The sponge inside mature ridge gourds is used as a natural bath loofah in many regions.
Possible Side Effects
Although ridge gourd is generally safe:
- There is no confirmed medical data on its use as a medicinal herb.
- High doses during pregnancy may not be safe.
- Using ridge gourd charcoal for shingles has no proven safety.
Always consult a doctor before using it as a remedy instead of a food item.
Conclusion
Ridge gourd is a nutritious vegetable filled with essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. It supports digestion, vision, liver health, weight loss, diabetes management, and overall well-being. Including it in your daily diet can offer multiple long-term health benefits.
Thank you for reading!
FAQs
1. How long does it take for ridge gourd to bear fruit?
Ans: Plants produce flowers within 80–90 days of planting. After pollination, female flowers develop into fruits.
2. What is the scientific name of ridge gourd?
Ans: The scientific name is Luffa acutangula.
3. Does ridge gourd cause gas?
Ans: No. Ridge gourd is water-based and low in carbohydrates, so it generally does not cause bloating or gas.
4. Can ridge gourd be eaten raw?
Ans: Freshly harvested ridge gourd can be eaten raw after removing the skin. However, partially peeled or unpeeled ridge gourd should be cooked, as the skin contains compounds that make it unsuitable for raw consumption.
5. Where is ridge gourd cultivated in India?
Ans: It is widely grown in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha, covering nearly 80–90 acres by multiple farmers because of its high yield and fruit quality.
My self Anita Sahani. I have completed my B.Com from Purbanchal College Silapathar. I am working in Dev Library as a Content Manager. A website that provides all SCERT, NCERT 3 to 12, and BA, B.com, B.Sc, and Computer Science with Post Graduate Notes & Suggestions, Novel, eBooks, Health, Finance, Biography, Quotes, Study Materials, and more.
