Bottle gourd is cultivated for its fruit known as Calabash, white-flowered gourd, Opo squash, Birdhouse gourd, Long melon, and Tasmania. It comes under the Lagenaria genus and Cucurbitaceae family. You can harvest it to get vegetables and also harvest it to get dried bottle gourd.
You can use the mature bottle gourd as a container, musical instrument, or utensil. The flesh of a fresh bottle gourd is white, and the skin is light green and smooth.

This vegetable or fruit comes in different shapes. They can be bottle-shaped, small, rounded, huge, or serpentine and slim. Bottle gourds can grow more than one meter long. One of the bottle gourd varieties is the round shape, known as the calabash gourd. This variety is one of the first cultivated plants in the world, which was grown not for food purposes but to use as a container.
The article below is all about bottle gourd. Like – bottle gourd in Tamil, its health benefits, cost, types, nutritional value of bottle gourd, popularity, recipes, availability, and many more.
English name | Bottle gourd |
Tamil name | Chorakkai or Sorekai |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Species | L. siceraria |
Genus | Lagenaria |
Family | Cucurbitaceae |
Order | Cucurbitales |
Bottle gourd in Tamil name
Chorakkai or Sorekai is the Tamil name of bottle gourd. People from typical Tamil-speaking regions like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh may not understand the word ‘bottle gourd.’ So you have to ask them for Chorakkai or Sorekai for better understanding. Calabash, white-flowered gourd, Opo squash, Birdhouse gourd, Long melon, and Tasmania are some other famous names of bottle gourd.
People from a city or township of the Tamil-speaking areas can recognize the English word. So you may not face many difficulties in those areas when you want to buy a bottle of gourd. The hotels and restaurants of those areas also contain many bottled gourd recipes on their menu.
Side effects of bottle gourd
Generally, a Bottle gourd is considered a safe food. But every food works differently in different bodies. So there are a few side effects of bottle gourd you should be aware of –
1. The bitterness of bottle gourd
Some bottle gourds have cucurbitacin, a naturally occurring compound. The bitter taste of this compound can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. It is good advice to taste a small amount of bottled gourd before cooking it or consuming it raw to ensure it does not taste bitter.
2. Allergic reactions
In some cases, bottle gourd ingestion or contact with the skin may cause rash, itching, or irritation. But these allergic reactions are not that serious but usually mild. These can be managed by avoiding direct contact with the vegetable.
People with pollen allergy should avoid consuming bottle gourd because they may face oral allergy syndromes by eating bottle gourd. They may suffer from tingling or itching sensations in the throat, lips, or mouth.
3. Sensitivity individually
Gastrointestinal discomfort is seen in some people’s cases after eating bottle gourd. Some symptoms are – indigestion, stomach pain, bloating, rarely diarrhea, cramping, and gas. These reactions appear because of specific digestive conditions, a high-fiber diet, or individual sensitivity.
Types of bottle gourd
There are no such varieties of bottle gourd worldwide. But it may vary according to its length, shape, and size. These factors depend on when it is harvested and how it is grown. It can be uniformly cylindrical, round and short, bulbous, thin and extremely long, or curved. The skin of some bottle gourds is covered with fine hairs, but most of the bottle gourds have smooth skin.
You can see different skin-colored bottle gourds, from dark green to chartreuse or light green. It has petite seeds with creamy flesh. The seeds of young bottle gourd are edible, but they become hard when the vegetable or fruit becomes mature. You should remove the seeds of the mature bottle gourd before cooking it. The young bottle gourd has a firm texture and mild flavor of summer squash-like cucumber.
Nutritional value of bottle gourd
Potential health benefits are the key to bottle gourd. It can help in promoting hydration and aiding digestion. You can follow a balanced diet by including bottled gourd in your diet. This nutritional vegetable has high minerals, vitamins, and fibers. But it is necessary to eat bottled gourd in a moderate amount.
Bottle gourd offers little folate, vitamin C, vitamin B, zinc, and iron. It has a very low amount of calorie content. It is believed that bottle gourd helps in good digestion and has high fiber content. Bottle gourd juice is famous for its zinc and vitamin C content. It has the potential ability for the level of blood sugar regulation. Bottle gourd juice is consumed as a beverage in many countries.
The nutritional value of a bottle gourd in the amount of 100 grams –
Nutrients | Quantity |
---|---|
Energy | 15 kcal or 63 kJ |
Protein | 0.6 grams |
Fat | 0.02 grams |
Dietary fibers | 1.2 grams |
Carbohydrates | 3.69 grams |
Minerals | Quantity | % of the daily value |
---|---|---|
Zinc | 0.7 mg | 7% |
Sodium | 2 mg | 0% |
Manganese | 0.066 mg | 3% |
Magnesium | 11 mg | 3% |
Potassium | 170 mg | 4% |
Phosphorus | 13 mg | 2% |
Iron | 0.25 mg | 2% |
Calcium | 24 mg | 2% |
Vitamins | Quantity | % of the daily value |
---|---|---|
Vitamin B1 ( thiamine ) | 0.029 mg | 3% |
Vitamin B2 ( riboflavin ) | 0.022 mg | 2% |
Vitamin B3 ( niacin ) | 0.39 mg | 3% |
Vitamin B5 ( pantothenic acid) | 0.144 mg | 3% |
Vitamin B9 | 4 micrograms | 1% |
Vitamin B6 | 0.038 mg | 3% |
Vitamin C | 8.5 mg | 10% |
Health benefits of bottle gourd
1. Bottle gourd is beneficial for the liver
According to many animal studies, bottle gourd has many properties that are good for liver health. Those properties are beneficial for both liver functions and conditions. This vegetable can’t cure liver diseases, but you must continue it with proper medication. You should consult with your doctor or dietician before adding a bottle of gourd to your diet.
2. Bottle gourd is helpful for brain functioning
Eating bottle gourd may positively affect human memory. Bottle gourds have certain compounds that may help in CNS ( central nervous system ) depressant and pain relieving activities. Central nervous system depressant activity is beneficial in calming the mind. But it is necessary to diagnose and treat the health issue according to the healthcare provider and eat Bottle gourd accurately by his advice.
3. Bottle gourd is beneficial for cancer patients
According to an animal study, the extract ofChorakkai, Sorekai, or bottle gourd fights against cancerous cells. According to an experiment of a laboratory study, the extract of bottle gourd stem shows cytotoxic activity ( that is toxic to the body cells ) against cancer cells.
Bottle gourd has these anticancer activities. These activities contribute to its potential cytotoxic and antioxidant abilities. The benefits of this vegetable are tested in the laboratory. So you should consult a reputable doctor before consuming herbal remedies or supplements.
4. Bottle gourd helps to control diabetes
Traditionally, bottle gourd is used for diabetes remedy. According to medical science, bottled gourd is one of the best food choices for diabetic patients because of its high fiber and low-fat content. As an indication of animal choice, there is a possibility to decrease the blood glucose level in diabetic patients with the help of the extract of bottle gourd.
As per observation in animal trials, bottle gourd consists of anti-diabetic properties. But more experiments are needed in the case of human beings.
5. Bottle gourd helps to prevent obesity
The water content of bottle gourd is so high and low in calories. So it might be an excellent option for those people who want to lose weight. This vegetable contains low cholesterol and fat but high amounts of dietary fiber. All these factors help to manage weight.
So if you want to lose or manage your current weight, add a bottle of gourd to your diet chart. But you should be aware of all kinds of side effects and uses of bottle gourd before using it. So consult with your healthcare provider first.
6. Bottle gourd is good for your skin
The content of zinc and vitamin C present in bottle gourd offers you many skin benefits. Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin. Bottle gourd helps to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation and fight against skin damage.
Vitamin C in bottle gourd helps to prevent skin sagging and aging. It also helps enhance the skin barrier lipids production and strengthens the skin barrier. But you should consult your doctor first for better advice about the uses, limitations of vegetables and herbs.
7. Bottle gourd is beneficial for heart and hypertension
Bottle gourd contains high sodium content. So it is highly suitable for high BP patients. It helps regulate blood pressure, reduce blood cholesterol, and ensure proper blood flow to all body parts, including the heart. Doctors and dieticians also advise drinking bottle gourd juice at least thrice per week.
8. Bottle gourd helps to keep you cool and hydrated in summer
As you know, bottle gourd contains more than 90% minerals and water. This versatile vegetable is regarded as the healthiest vegetable. It is one of the best and most natural body-hydrated foods. The cooking process deactivates the vitamins and minerals from the bottle gourd.
So it is advisable to intake raw juice with a bit of salt and lemon. Bottle gourd juice can reduce body heat and keep your stomach calm. It helps to recover the water loss because of sweating.
Cost of bottle gourd in Tamil areas
The average cost of a Bottle gourd in the latest market is Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg. According to the latest market value, the lowest cost of a 1 kg Bottle gourd is around Rs 7. In India, the average cost of the versatile vegetable is approximately Rs 8 to Rs 15.
The cost depends on the buying place, freshness, and quality. The high availability of bottled gourd and the easy cultivation process make it so inexpensive, and its demand is also high.
Availability and popularity of bottle gourd in Tamil areas
Almost all states cultivate bottled gourd in India. Some of those states are – Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, etc. Bihar is the highest bottle gourd producer in India.
Because many Indian states produce bottled gourd frequently, India faces no deficiency in bottled gourd, and it provides the needed amount of this versatile and super healthy vegetable to all its states and exports to other countries.
People with different health issues like kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, complications in pregnancy, liver disease, and so on can consume bottled gourd for its health benefits. With few calories, almost no fat, 90% water content, high fiber, and a horde of nutrients, bottle gourd makes itself the best vegetable. So people, including the Tamil people, love to consume bottled gourd in heavy amounts.
Popular recipes of bottle gourd in Tamil areas


You can consume bottled gourd freshly by preparing juice or cooking it. You can prepare both sweet and savory dishes by using bottled gourd. Some popular recipes of bottle gourd are – bottle gourd masala curry, bottle gourd Kurma with coconut milk, bottle gourd Kofta, bottle gourd Pulao, bottle gourd Varta, bottle gourd Pakora, bottle gourd stew, bottle gourd, and spinach stir fry, bottle gourd and Jowar Roti, pan-fried bottle gourd, bottle gourd Kheer, bottle gourd Halwa, bottle gourd Raita, etc.
Final verdict
Bottle gourd is one of the best choices of dieticians. There is an apparent reason for this fact. You can use this versatile vegetable on most menus with guaranteed safety, offering umpteen health benefits. People with different health issues like kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, complications in pregnancy, liver disease, and so on can consume bottled gourd for its health benefits. With few calories, almost no fat, 90% water content, high fiber, and a horde of nutrients, bottle gourd makes itself the best vegetable.
This article is all about bottle gourd, like – bottle gourd in Tamil, its cost, types, nutritional value, health benefits of bottle gourd, popularity, recipes, availability, and many more.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the characteristics of different types of bottle gourd?
There are no such varieties of bottle gourd worldwide. But it may vary according to its length, shape, and size. These factors depend on when it is harvested and how it is grown.
It can be uniformly cylindrical, round and short, bulbous, thin and extremely long, or curved. The skin of some bottle gourds is covered with fine hairs, but most of the bottle gourds have smooth skin.
2. What are the allergic reactions to bottle gourd?
In some cases, bottle gourd ingestion or contact with the skin may cause rash, itching, or irritation. But these allergic reactions are not that serious but usually mild.
These can be managed by avoiding direct contact with the vegetable. People with pollen allergy should avoid consuming bottle gourd because they may face oral allergy syndromes by eating bottle gourd. They may suffer from tingling or itching sensations in the throat, lips, or mouth.
Gastrointestinal discomfort is seen in cases of some people after eating Bottle gourd. Some symptoms are – indigestion, stomach pain, bloating, rarely diarrhea, cramping, and gas. These reactions appear because of specific digestive conditions, a high-fiber diet, or individual sensitivity.
3. How is a Bottle gourd helpful for brain functioning?
Eating bottle gourd may have some positive effects on human memory. Bottle gourds have certain compounds that may help in CNS ( central nervous system ) depressant and pain relieving activities.
Central nervous system depressant activity is beneficial in calming the mind. But it is necessary to diagnose and treat the health issue according to the healthcare provider and eat Bottle gourd accurately by his advice.
4. What are the health benefits of bottle gourd?
1. Bottle gourd is beneficial for liver
2. Bottle gourd is helpful for brain functioning
3. Bottle gourd is beneficial for cancer patients
4. Bottle gourd helps to control diabetes
5. Bottle gourd helps to prevent obesity
6. Bottle gourd is good for your skin
7. Bottle gourd is beneficial for heart and hypertension
8. Bottle gourd helps to control acidity problem
9. Bottle gourd helps to keep you cool and hydrated in summers
5. How does bottle gourd help to keep the heart healthy and avoid hypertension?
Bottle gourd contains a very high sodium content. So it is exceptionally suitable for high BP patients. It helps regulate blood pressure, reduce blood cholesterol, and ensure proper blood flow to all body parts, including the heart. Doctors and dieticians also advise drinking bottle gourd juice at least thrice per week.
6. Which states of India produce bottled gourd?
Almost all states cultivate bottled gourd in India. Some of those states are – Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, etc. Bihar is the highest bottle gourd producer in India.
7. What is the cost of 1 KG Bottle gourd in India?
The average cost of fresh Bottle gourd in the latest market is Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg. According to the latest market value, the lowest cost of a 1 kg Bottle gourd is around Rs 7.
In India, the average cost of the versatile vegetable is approximately Rs 8 to Rs 15. The cost depends on the buying place, freshness, and quality. The high availability of bottled gourd and the easy cultivation process make it so inexpensive, and its demand is also high.