Organic Hairy Gourd Malaysia 600g

Origin: Malaysia
Status: Organic
Certification: NASAA
Highlights: Hairy gourd  (Benincasa hispida var. chieh-gua) 毛瓜 Máo guā is a member of the Cucumber family Cucurbitaceae indigenous to South, South-East and East Asia related to old cucumber and winter melon. However, unlike these two members of the Cucumber family the seeds do not need to be removed as the fruit is still very young, usually harvested not long after the flower has set to fruit. To remove the hairs, just run the back of a knife over the skin. The skin does not have to be removed, but is usually thinly peeled and discarded.

The delicate flesh is delicious cooked in a savoury broth as soup or stir-fried with tang hoon and dried shrimp or scallops and may be stuffed and steamed. In India it is candied to make petha and may also be used in cakes and smoothies.

It is a good source of vitamins, minerals and fibre with water soluble Vitamins B1, B2, and C and potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The fibre naturally improves digestion as well as stabilising blood sugar and generally lowering the risk of disease.

In Ayurveda it is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used to help manage lung problems including coughs and asthma as well as for urine retention. It is in fact a useful diuretic and is thought to increase energy levels and sharpen the mind.

Considered neutral/slightly cooling in Chinese medicine and the properties of hairy gourd act on the lungs, bladder, and large & small intestines. It helps to de-toxify the body, clear out phlegm and promote digestion. It is also used for kidney problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and coronary heart disease.

Those with weakened or cooled stomach/spleen constitution, or with a lack of yang energy or loose stools  should take care to eat it only in moderation.