A long vegetable with a dark green ridged skin and a white spongy flesh with soft seeds. It is prepared by removing the skin of the vegetable and then cooked. Ridge gourd is very prominent in Indian cooking.

• The vegetable can be consumed to reduce internal inflammations and to alleviate cough and reduce swelling of the lymph glands.

• Ridge gourd is rich in dietary fibre which takes time to be absorbed in the body thus making you feel full for a longer time.

• The mineral rich ridge gourd produces an alkaline effect in the body, thereby reducing signs of acidity and providing a cooling effect.

• Ridge gourd aids blood purification which is important for preventing pimples, acne and skin breakouts

Keep it at room temperature, away from the sunlight.

It should be refrigerated if they need to be stored for a long time.