SMOOTH GOURD ( LOFFA)

Common Name:- 

                        Smooth gourd

Malayalam Name:-
                        Kattupeechil,

                        Kottopatti,

                        Karapeeri.

Other Names:-

 Loffa,

                        Dish cloth gourd,

Sponge gourd,

Rag gourd,

Vegetable sponge;

Thinga,

 Turai,

Dhundal,

 Mozhuku,

 Peerkankai ,

 Ketola,

Mains ,

 Pikku,

Pichukku ,

Patola ,

 Shui kwa .  
         

Botanical Name:-

                        Luffa cylindrical

Smooth gourd is also known as Luffa, loofah or lufah. It is a climbing vine which is related to gourds and cucumber vegetable. When they are allowed to mature and dry on the vine, they can then be harvested as a sponge. The "sponges" are popular as bath sponges . The sponge of the Smooth gourd is popular as it is highly organic and it is inexpensive.

Smooth gourd flower

Nutritive Value:-

(The nutritional values of one medium Smooth gourd)

Calories – 34

Fat – 0.26 grams

Carbohydrates – 6.92 grams

Proteins – 2.85 grams

Sodium – 363 mg

Potassium – 205 mg

Calcium – 12%

Vitamin C – 41%

Iron – 2%      

Sponge &seeds of Smooth gourd

Mature& Dry fruit of  Smooth gourd

Planting method:-

        The crop is planted in February-March and May-June at a spacing of 2 x 2 m. The seed rate is 2.5-3 kg/ha. The crop is trailed over pandal, stakes or trellis. No serious pests or diseases are reported.

The average yield is 10-15 t/ha.

Seeds of Smooth gourd

Food Value:-

Smooth gourd must be consumed before it matures or otherwise it will be too woody and fibrous to eat. It is used for making curries .

Smooth gourd

Smooth gourd

Smooth gourd