Saturday, February 4, 2012

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

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