Round Gourd (Tinda)

Round Gourd (Tinda / Indian Baby Pumpkin) – Description:

Botanical Name: Praecitrullus fistulosus
Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber family)

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🌿 Description:

Round gourd, commonly known as Tinda or Indian baby pumpkin, is a small, round, light green vegetable about the size of an apple or tomato. Its skin is smooth and tender, while the inner flesh is white, spongy, and soft with small edible seeds. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it ideal for light and healthy dishes.

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🌱 Plant Characteristics:

• The Tinda plant is a spreading vine with broad, rough-textured leaves and yellow flowers.

• It thrives in warm climates, especially in northern and central India.

• Prefers well-drained sandy loam soil and plenty of sunlight.

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🥗 Nutritional Value:

Tinda is a low-calorie vegetable, rich in:

• Dietary fiber

• Vitamin A, B-complex, and C

• Iron, calcium, and potassium

• High water content (about 94%)

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💪 Health Benefits:

• Helps in digestion and prevents constipation.

• Supports weight loss due to its low calories and high fiber.

• Keeps the body cool and hydrated.

• Good for heart health and liver detoxification.

• Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

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🍲 Culinary Uses:

• Commonly used in Indian curries, gravies, and stir-fries.

• Often cooked with onion, tomato, and spices for a light sabzi.

• Can also be stuffed or cooked with dal.

• Popular in North Indian cuisine, especially during summer.

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🌍 Common Names:

• Hindi: Tinda / Tinday

• English: Round Gourd / Indian Baby Pumpkin / Apple Gourd

• Tamil: Inchikkai

• Telugu: Dondakaya (round type)

• Marathi: Tondli Gola

• Punjabi: Tinda