Plant Information

Common Name: VEGETABLE: LAUKI (BOTTLE GOURD)
Scientific Name: Lagenaria siceraria
Alternative Names: Doodhi, Opo.

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Description

• Annual
• Lauki Bottle Gourd is native to tropical Africa but cultivated in warm climates around the world for its edible fruit, distinguished by its elongated, and bottle-like shape.
• It produces light green, uniformly oval fruit, 30 to 45cm long.
• Lauki is a vigorous trailing or climbing plant with white flowers that open at night.
• Beneficial insects, especially bumblebees, are extremely attracted to the flowers.
• Providing ample water through the growing season, a sturdy trellis or fence, and full sun is enough to ensure a successful crop.
• If using a trellis, space plants 90cm apart and if allowed to sprawl on the ground, space plants at least 3m apart.
• Harvest often to send energy to new fruit.
• For culinary use the fruit is normally harvested when it is young and fragile, as it turns unpalatable and hard as it ages.
• If left on the vine, the outer skin will harden.

Culinary Uses

• Lauki is a versatile vegetable used similarly to zucchini - but it has a slightly sweeter flavor and firmer texture.
• It is popular in Indian cuisines and used in curries, soups, stir-fries, and desserts.

Parts Used

• The fruit.

Medicinal Uses. It is said that

• Lauki contains 96.1% water, making it light on the stomach and aiding digestion.
• It contains vitamins A, B, C and K as well as calcium and potassium.
• Lauki is rich in antioxidants and reduces oxidative stress, protects cells, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
• It helps those with lactose intolerance - and it is also low in fat and cholesterol, yet high in fibre and is perfect for those looking to lose weight while staying full and nourished.

Other Uses

• The dried, hollowed-out shells are made into water bottles, dippers, spoons, pipes, and many other utensils and containers.
• They can also be fashioned into birdhouses, and other decorative items like fancy ornaments, lamps, and musical instruments.

The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff