Vegetable
short snake gourd.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeHalalKosher
SERVING
CALORIES
15
PROTEIN
0.54g
CARBS
2.1g
FAT
0.26g
FIBER
2.3g
This ingredient is flagged as naturally gluten-free. Per 100 g, it provides 8.3 µg of vitamin K.
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories14.6kcal—
Protein0.54g1%
Carbohydrates2.1g1%
Fiber2.3g8%
Sugar0.46g1%
Total fat0.26g0%
Saturated fat0.10g1%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol0mg0%
Water94.3g—
MINERALS
Sodium2.5mg0%
Potassium84mg2%
Calcium17.9mg1%
Iron0.20mg1%
Magnesium15.1mg4%
Phosphorus21.3mg2%
Zinc0.11mg1%
Copper0.05mg6%
Manganese0.11mg5%
Selenium0µg0%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A62.8µg7%
Vitamin C2.3mg3%
Vitamin D3.1µg16%
Vitamin E0.01mg0%
Vitamin K8.3µg7%
Thiamin (B1)0.03mg3%
Riboflavin (B2)0.02mg2%
Niacin (B3)0.33mg2%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.31mg6%
Vitamin B60.06mg4%
Biotin (B7)2.5µg8%
Folate (B9)17.7µg4%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup125.5g
1 tablespoon7.8g
1 teaspoon2.6g
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
1 ml0.5g
1 liter530g
1 piece350g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓High in water content (over 90%), which aids in hydration and cooling the body.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Gently scrape or peel the thin outer skin before cooking. The interior pulp and seeds are edible but can be removed if they are too mature or spongy.
- 2It cooks very quickly due to its high water content. Add it towards the end of cooking in stews and curries to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- 3Snake gourd absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for stir-fries, South Indian poriyals (sautéed dishes), and kootu (lentil-based stews).
- 4Pair with ingredients like coconut, lentils, mustard seeds, and curry leaves to complement its mild flavor.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store unwashed short snake gourds in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- For longer storage, you can chop the gourd and freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for several months.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is short snake gourd healthy?
Yes, short snake gourd is highly nutritious and beneficial for health. It is exceptionally low in calories and fat while being rich in water content and dietary fiber, which supports hydration and digestive health.
How many calories and carbs are in short snake gourd?
Short snake gourd is very low in calories, providing approximately 14.58 calories per 100g. It contains only 2.15g of carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their macronutrient intake.
Is short snake gourd vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, as a natural vegetable, short snake gourd is 100% vegan and naturally gluten-free. It is a safe and healthy addition to plant-based and gluten-sensitive diets.
How do you prepare and cook short snake gourd?
Wash the gourd and lightly scrape the outer skin if desired. Slice it into rounds or cubes, removing any large, mature seeds from the center. It is commonly stir-fried, added to lentil curries (kootu), or stuffed with savory fillings.
What does short snake gourd taste like?
Short snake gourd has a very mild, neutral, and slightly sweet flavor, similar to a cucumber or chayote. Its texture is crisp when raw and becomes soft and succulent when cooked, allowing it to absorb the flavors of spices and sauces.
How do you store short snake gourd and how long does it last?
Store the gourd in a plastic bag or an airtight container in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. When stored properly, it will remain fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
How do I know if a short snake gourd is fresh?
Look for gourds that are firm to the touch and have a bright, consistent green color. Avoid any that feel soft, rubbery, or have visible dark spots and blemishes, as these are signs of spoilage.
Do I need to peel short snake gourd before cooking?
Peeling is not strictly necessary as the skin is thin and edible. However, many cooks prefer to lightly scrape the white, waxy surface with a knife to improve the texture and appearance of the final dish.
