Garden journal: Indian snake gourds from my kitchen garden

Snake gourds, botanically known as Trichosanthes cucumerina, are snake-like vegetables which make a stunning display hanging from the trellis in any kitchen garden. There are two different types of snake gourd seeds offered by US seed companies. One variety is a large gourd which develops a hard shell as it matures and is simply a different variety of opo squash. The variety that we are discussing here has a waxy skin and tastes more like a cross between a zucchini and cucumber. This particular snake gourd turns into a red mush with brown seeds when it matures. There are different varieties of snake gourds, some green striped long ones and others that are shorter and dark green.
Snake gourds might be something new and exotic for many American gardeners, but they are very popular among vegetarians in south India. It is supposed to be a cooling vegetable long associated with Ayurvedic medicine. It has been a part of my mother's diet for as long as I can remember. You can make stir frys, chutneys and curries with it. I get a lot of compliments from garden visitors when they see my Indian snake gourds. When you want to grow something to wow your garden visitors, think of Indian snake gourd.

Doesn't it look like a real snake sitting on the trellis

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes), please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

 

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