Snake gourd. Don Graham / flickr / 2016 / CC BY-SA 2.0
Snake gourds grow on an annual vine plant with fuzz stems, broad leaves, and fragrant, attractive white flowers.
The gourds grow up as long as 2 metres (6 1/2 feet) long. They are slender, but may be curved or even coiled. They can be made to grow more straight by hanging a small stone from their blossom end.
Snake gourd hung straight. Sangfroid / wikimedia / 2006 / Public Domain
They have greenish-white skin which needs to be peeled.
The seeds inside are surrounded by red pulp, which can also be used in cooking.
The leaves and young shoots can also be eaten.
Snake gourds become more bitter tasting as they get old.
Sometimes referred to as a squash.
Substitutes
Any summer squash
History Notes
Native to India.
Snake gourd. Leonora Enking / flickr / 2007 / CC BY-SA 2.0