Thumba Karawila (Baby Bitter Gourd)

ORIGINS

India

TASTE

It is grown for its immature tuberculate fruits which have a unique bitter taste

AYURVEDA & MEDICINAL USES

Reduce the chances of cancer and is anti-aging : It also has antioxidants like Vit C, beta-carotene,
alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthins that are known as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals. All these compounds work as the anti-aging compound. Also they hunts down excess toxic free radicals from our body to reduce the chances of cancer.

NOTABLE FACTS

Spine gourd is a cucurbitaceous vegetable which is closely related to bitter gourd. However, it is not bitter in taste as bitter gourd. Spine gourd is grown as a summer vegetable in tropical and subtropical countries. Spine gourd is a vine and it is a perennial crop which grows up to 5m.As in case of most cucurbits, spine gourd is a shallow rooted crop and hence shallow cultivation is practiced. It is green when unripe and will turn yellow when mature.

TRY-ME RECIPES

Sri Lankan spine gourd curry Spine gourd pieces are cut length-wise and stuffed with a filling of local spices. Cooked cover till done. Soak the clean and cut gourd for a few minutes in salt and turmeric. Squeeze out the water after a while and set aside the gourd. Sautee Onion, mustard seeds and wait till they start splattering. Add the cummin, turmeric and chillie powder. Stir it a few seconds. Quickly add the gourd and stir it a bit. Add the tomato, salt, about 1/4 cup water and the coconut milk. Let it cook completely stirring occasionally. When done, add lime juice. Check for taste.