Bottle Gourd Identification Tips: Bottle gourd is grown in almost every household during the summer season. It is very light to eat and easily digestible. However, chemicals and injections are now being used to hasten harvest and make it appear larger. So, if you are purchasing bottle gourd from the market, be sure to keep a few things in mind.

During the summer season, a variety of vegetables are available in the markets. Most vegetables available in this season are high in water content. Including these in your diet helps keep your body hydrated. Cucumber, gourd, bottle gourd, and ridge gourd are among them. However, hybrid vegetables are becoming more common in the market these days. Therefore, eating these can be detrimental rather than beneficial.

Bottle gourd is most commonly eaten during the summer. It's light to eat and easily digestible. I, too, make it a part of my diet during this season, but I always check before buying it to see if it's been injected. If you're also buying bottle gourd, you can easily determine whether it's a hybrid by checking these things. Let's find out:

Identify by looking at the peel

Whenever you go shopping for a gourd, the first thing you should pay attention to is its peel. Many naturally grown gourds don't have a very shiny peel. If you touch them, they'll feel rough. If the gourd appears too smooth and shiny, it's likely an injection.

Pay attention to your shape and weight as well.

If the gourd appears thicker or larger than normal, examine it carefully, as injected gourds tend to be larger. Therefore, try to choose a medium-sized gourd that is neither too thick nor too thin.

Cut out the inside and see

After bringing the gourd home, cut it open and check its quality. If the gourd appears too soft or spongy inside, it may be a hybrid. Also, if the seeds appear too large or the inside color is off, avoid using it. A good gourd looks green and fresh inside.

Identify by smelling

You can also check for doneness by smelling the gourd after cutting it. If it smells fresh and mild, it's likely okay, but if it smells strange, don't use it.

Bottle gourd is certainly beneficial for your health, but consuming an injected, hybrid bottle gourd can be harmful instead of beneficial. Therefore, before purchasing a bottle gourd, keep the above points in mind.

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