Sponge Gourd

🌱 QUANTITY: 15 Seeds
⏳ SEED TO HARVEST: 55–65 days
🌿 SOWING METHOD: Direct sow
🏞️ SOWING TIME (PLAINS): January-March, June-July, October-November
🌄 SOWING TIME (HILLS): April-July
☀️ LIGHT REQUIREMENT: Full sunlight

The Sponge Gourd, also known as Nenua, Turai, or Gilki in different parts of India, is a traditional vegetable widely grown across Asia and Africa. Belonging to the cucumber family, this fast-growing climber has been cultivated for centuries both as a nutritious vegetable and, when fully matured, as a natural bath sponge.

When harvested young, sponge gourds are tender, light green, and packed with water content, making them refreshing and easy to digest. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor absorbs spices beautifully, blending seamlessly into Indian curries, stir-fries, dals, and chutneys. Apart from its culinary charm, sponge gourd is valued for being rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and minerals, making it both delicious and wholesome.