BOTTLE GOURD / Indian Calabash / Opo Squash / - Lagenaria Siceraria - 5 Seeds

The Indian calabash, also known as bottle gourd or Lagenaria siceraria, is a versatile plant with both culinary and practical uses. It's known for its nutritional value and is easily digestible, making it suitable for various diets. The fruit, when young, is used in stews, curries, and other dishes, while the dried shell is used to make utensils, containers, and even musical instruments. 
Culinary Uses:
Young fruit: Can be added to stews, curries, and other dishes.
Indian cuisine: The skin is used to make chutney, and the leaves can be boiled.
Other regions: In Central America, seeds are used in horchata, while in Vietnam, it's boiled, stir-fried, and used in soups. 
Other Uses:
Utensils and containers: Dried calabash shells are used to make bowls, cups, ladles, and containers for liquids. 
Musical instruments: Calabash gourds are used in instruments like maracas, drums, and as resonators for instruments like the Rudra veena and Saraswati veena. 
Bird feeders and nest boxes: In some regions, calabashes are used for these purposes. 
Medicinal Properties:
Rich in nutrients: Contains iron, vitamins C and B complex, sodium, and potassium. 
Digestive aid: Easily digestible and can be used in low-calorie diets, for those with digestive issues, and for convalescents. 
Urinary disorders: Juice can help with burning sensations caused by high urine acidity. 
Diarrhea and thirst: Juice with salt can help with excessive thirst from diarrhea, diabetes, or excessive consumption of fatty foods. 
Respiratory problems: The pulp is believed to be effective in dealing with asthma and coughs.