Snake gourd seeds

Trichosanthes cucumerina, commonly known as snake gourd - is a species of herbaceous plant from the genus Trichosanthes of the Cucurbitaceae family.

Snake gourd is a herbaceous vine cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, as well as in Australia, for its very long edible fruit, which can reach up to 1.5 meters in length and 4–10 cm in diameter.

The fruit of Trichosanthes cucumerina is narrow, cylindrical, with a thin skin and contains soft, tender, mucilaginous flesh inside. Ripe fruits are orange in color with red flesh.

During growth, the fruit often bends into unusual shapes, which is why the plant received its common names “snake gourd” and “serpent cucumber.”

Snake gourd is one of the most popular vegetables used in Asian cuisine. The stems, tendrils, and leaves of the plant are also eaten as green vegetables.

Snake gourd is usually grown on supports with string tying, and to prevent the fruit from curling, a stone or another weight is often attached to its end. The plant is adapted to areas with excessive moisture and does not tolerate drought well.