Ivy Gourd (Kundru)

Ivy Gourd (Kundru / Tindora) – Description:

Botanical Name: Coccinia grandis
Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber family)

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🌿 Description:

Ivy gourd, also known as Kundru, Tindora, or Tondli, is a small, elongated green vegetable that looks like a miniature cucumber. The fruit is smooth, green with light stripes, and turns red when fully ripe. Its flesh is white and crunchy when tender, making it a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine.

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🌱 Plant Characteristics:

• Ivy gourd is a fast-growing perennial climber vine with heart-shaped green leaves and small white flowers.

• It spreads through tendrils and grows well in warm tropical climates.

• Commonly cultivated in India, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

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🥒 Nutritional Value:

Ivy gourd is a nutrient-rich vegetable, containing:

• Vitamins: A, B1, B2, and C

• Minerals: Iron, calcium, and potassium

• Dietary fiber and antioxidants

• Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy daily vegetable

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💪 Health Benefits:

• Helps regulate blood sugar levels (good for diabetics).

• Promotes digestion and prevents constipation.

• Supports heart and liver health.

• Keeps the body cool and improves immunity.

• Aids in weight management due to its low-calorie content.

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🛒 Culinary Uses:

• Commonly used in Indian stir-fries (bhaji/sabzi), curries, and pickles.

• Often sautéed with onions, spices, and coconut in South Indian dishes.

• Can also be deep-fried or stuffed.

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🌍 Common Names:

• Hindi: Kundru / Tindora

• English: Ivy Gourd / Scarlet Gourd

• Telugu: Dondakaya

• Tamil: Kovakkai

• Kannada: Tondekai

• Marathi: Tondli

• Malayalam: Kovaykka