Snake gourd
A long, ridged vegetable common in Bangladeshi curries and stir-fries; Insaf sells two varieties of snake gourd.
Snake gourd is a long, pale green climbing vegetable that cooks quickly and has a mild flavor. It is low in calories and high in water content, making it a popular light dish in hot weather.
Snake gourd is widely available in rural Bangladeshi markets through the hot and monsoon months.
Growing it in Bangladesh
- Sowing time
- Insaf's Alo and Rocket varieties can be sown from January to October, with the first harvest ready 40-45 days after germination.
- Weather & soil
- Snake gourd prefers warm weather and plenty of sun, and grows healthiest in well-drained soil.
- Care
- Training vines onto a trellis or wire keeps fruit straight and clean
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging
- Picking fruit while still young keeps the flavor mild and encourages more to grow