Ridge Gourd (Tori / Turai)

Ridge Gourd (Tori / Turai) – Description:

Botanical Name: Luffa acutangula
Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber family)

---

🌿 Description:

Ridge gourd, also known as Tori, Turai, or Jhinga, is a green, elongated vegetable with distinct ridges (lines) running along its length. It has a rough, dark green outer skin and a soft, white inner flesh. The vegetable is tender and mildly sweet when young and becomes fibrous as it matures.

---

🌱 Plant Characteristics:

• Ridge gourd is a climbing vine that grows rapidly, producing large, green, lobed leaves and yellow flowers.

• It grows well in warm and humid climates, particularly in India during summer and monsoon seasons.

• Requires fertile, well-drained soil and support (trellis or fence) for the vine to spread.

---

🥒 Nutritional Value:

Ridge gourd is low in calories and fat, but rich in water, dietary fiber, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and magnesium. It also contains small amounts of vitamin A and B-complex vitamins.

---

💪 Health Benefits:

• Promotes digestion and helps relieve constipation.

• Aids in weight loss and detoxification.

• Keeps the body cool during hot weather.

• Beneficial for liver health and helps reduce acidity.

• Supports skin and hair health due to its nutrients and hydration properties.

---

🛒 Culinary Uses:

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

• Can be cooked with onion, tomato, and spices.

• Also used in South Indian chutneys and sambar.

---

🌍 Common Names:

• Hindi: Tori / Turai / Jhingli

• English: Ridge Gourd / Angled Luffa

• Telugu: Beerakaya

• Tamil: Peerkangai

• Bengali: Jhinga