White or Ash gourd also known as winter melon or white pumpkin is a very large fruit and is eaten as a vegetable when it matures. Popularly known in Odisha as Pani Kakharu. It has a white flesh and a sweet taste however when it matures it forms a waxy surface this is the reason why it is also called wax gourd. It has a hard, greenish cover with white pulpy fruit inside. In India it is used mostly used to prepare a sweet called Petha. It has a length of about 80 cms and is widely grown in South and East Asia. It requires a very warm weather to grow but can be easily stored for many months.
Ash gourd is a very good source of various nutrients. It contains calcium and helps to maintain the blood pressure. It cures many digestive diseases like ulcers or dyspepsia and it even treats diabetes. It is also very helpful in treating asthma and prevents the formation of kidney stones. It’s fresh juice is believed to cure kidney stones.
