Description
Long dudhi or calabash (in English) is known and called by different names such as white gourd, bottle gourd, calabash, white pumpkin, lauki, Cucuzza, PO gua, opo squash, white-flowered gourd, long melon, New Guinea bean, and Tasmania bean. This long vegetable is vine-grown and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae (running or climbing vine) family. It is distinguishable by its light green colour and smooth skin layer. It is popularly grown across Asia and North America and has been widely used in Thai cuisine.
Its taste has a hint of a peppery flavour, fresh, and slightly bitter taste since it is usually harvested young to vegetable. However, this vegetable is high in water content and is commonly grated and added to salads, stir-fried vegetables, and soups.
Nutritional Content according to RDA Standards (for 145 grams serving)
- Energy – 17 calories per cup (86g)
- Protein – 0.3 grams
- Carbohydrates – 3.6 grams
- Fat – 0.1 grams
- Fibre – 2.9 grams
Vitamins
- Vitamin C – 14.6 mg. or 36.5% RDA
- Vitamin B9 (Folate) – 8.7 mcg. or 8.7% RDA
Minerals
- Calcium – 29 mg. or 7.25% RDA
- Magnesium – 37.7 mg. or 10.7% RDA
- Phosphorus – 14.5 mg. or 2.41% RDA
- Potassium – 126.2 mg. or 2.68% RDA
- Sodium – 2.5 mg.
- Pale green in colour
- Firm in grip
- Insides should not feel soft when pressed
