Fig Leaf Gourd/Cucurbita ficifolia is a species of squash, grown for its edible seeds, fruit, and greens. It has many common names in English such as the fig-leaf gourd, Malabar gourd, black seed squash, and cider. Although it is closely related to other squashes in its genus, such as the pumpkin, it shows a considerable biochemical difference from them and does not hybridize readily with them.
Also known as Malabar gourd, the fruit of this winter squash is found surprisingly often in Britain’s ethnic communities. The Chinese know them as shark fin melon, while the Bangladeshis call them Chinese kadu and eat the young fruit in curries. The Spanish make a preserve – called dulce de caballo de angel (angel hair) from the flesh of mature fruit.
The cold-tolerant plants are vigorous growers, producing vines at least 9 to 10 meters long. The fruit are renowned for their long storage life – we’ve kept one of ours for more than two years.
| Figleaf Gourd Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Figleaf Gourd |
| Scientific Name: | Cucurbita ficifolia |
| Colors | White to green |
| Shapes | Globose to ovoid-elliptical, oblong, up to 35 across |
| Flesh colors | White |
| Taste | Sweet |
Figleaf Gourd is a squash species that is cultivated for its edible seeds, green and fruit. Other common names are Angel’s Hair, Asian Pumpkin, Black-Seeded Gourd, Chilacayote, Chiverre, Fig-Leaf Gourd, Fig-Leaved Gourd, Malabar Gourd, Malabar Squash, Pie Melon, Shark Fin Melon, Siam Pumpkin, Thai Marrow, Thin Vermicelli Pumpkin, Black-seed squash, Cidra, and Sidra.
Figleaf Gourd Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Cucurbita ficifolia
| Rank | Scientific Name & (Common Name) |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae (Plants) |
| Subkingdom | Viridiplantae (Green plants) |
| Infrakingdom | Streptophyta (Land plants) |
| Superdivision | Embryophyta |
| Division | Tracheophyta (Vascular plants, tracheophytes) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae (Gourds, squashes, citrouilles, gourdes) |
| Genus | Cucurbita L. (Gourd) |
| Species | Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (Figleaf gourd) |
| Synonyms |
|
Figleaf Gourd is a climbing cine that grows well in temperate climates and perennial in tropical zones. The stem grows 5 to 15 meters and produces tendrils that help to climb adjacent plants and structures. Unlike other circuits, it may root from leaf axils. When grown perennially, the vine becomes semi-woody. Leaves resemble the shape of fig leaves. Leaves are simple, alternate circular-ovate to reniform in outline, sinuate to lobe having serrate or entire margin, 18-25 cm across. The plant blooms monoecious and imperfect flowers (i.e. flowers are either male or female but both sexes can be found on the same plant). It is pollinated by insects especially bees. The flowers are yellow to orange. Fruit is oblong, diameter 8 inches or 20 cm weighing 11 to 13 pounds, and resembles watermelon containing wide black seeds. Seeds are flattened, ovate-elliptical, 15–25 × 7–12 mm, and a dark brown to black or creamy white color. The fruit is highly uniform in size, color, and shape. The fruits comprise upto 500 seeds. The skin varies from light or dark green to cream. The plant produce shoots 25 meters long in 1 year from seed.
Facts About Figleaf Gourd
| Name | Figleaf Gourd |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cucurbita ficifolia |
| Common/English Name | Angel’s Hair, Asian Pumpkin, Black-Seeded Gourd, Chilacayote, Chiverre, Fig-Leaf Gourd, Fig-Leaved Gourd, Malabar Gourd, Malabar Squash, Pie Melon, Shark Fin Melon, Siam Pumpkin, Thai Marrow, Thin Vermicelli Pumpkin, Black-seed squash, Cidra, Sidra |
| Name in Other Languages | Argentina: Cayote, Lacayote; Bolivia: Lacayote; Catalan: Cabell d’Àngel; Chile: Alcayota; Columbia: Vitoria; Costa Rica: Calabaza Cabellos De Angel, Chiverre, Chiberre, Chiverri; Czech: Tykev Fíkolistá; Danish: Figenbladgræskar; Eastonian: Viigilehine Kõrvits; Ecuador: Zambo; French: Courge À Confiture, Courge De Siam, Courge À Choucroute De Cheveux D’ange, Courge À Graines Noires, Melon De Malabar, Courge À Feuilles De Figuier, Potiron Cheveux D’ange; German: Feigenblattkürbis; Guatemala: Chilacoyotl (Nahuatl); Honduras: Calabaza Cabellos De Angel, Chiberre, Chiverri; Hungarian: Laskatök, Istengyalulta Tök, Téli Tök; Italian: Zucca Del Siam, Zucca Del Malabar; Japanese: Kurodane Kabocha; Kenya: Kahurura; Mexico: Chilacoyotl (Nahuatl), Chilacayote, Tzilacayote; Nahuatl: Chilacoyotl; Panama: Chilacayote; Peru: Lacayote; Polish: Dynia Figolistna; Portugal: Abóbora-Chila, Chila, Gila; Russian: Tykva Figolistnaja; Slovašcina: Figovolistna Buča, Smokvolistna Buča; Spanish: Alcayota, Calabaza De Cabello De Angel, Cabello De Angel, Cayote, Chilacayota, Cidra, Chilacayote, Sambo, Chiverre, Silacayote, Zapallo; Tanzania: Boga La Kimasai (Swahili) |
| Plant Growth Habit | Monoecious, short-lived, perennial climbing or trailing vine |
| Growing Climate | Cool |
| Flower | Yellow to pale orange, up to 7.5 cm across |
| Fruit shape & size | Globose to ovoid-elliptical, oblong, up to 35 across |
| Fruit weight | 11 to 13 pounds (5 to 6 kilograms) |
| Fruit color | White to green |
| Flesh color | White |
| Fruit rind | Smooth |
| Fruit Taste | Sweet |
| Seed | Ovate-elliptical, flattened, 15–25 × 7–12 mm, dark brown to black or creamy white |
Figleaf Gourd Benefits
- Controls level of sugar
Seeds are used to rejuvenate producing cells of the pancreas. It helps to maintain the blood glucose level in the body. It has polysaccharide sugar which helps to restore pancreatic tissue. The pancreas circulation is improved.
- insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes prevention
It is capable of controlling sugar levels in the blood and is used to prevent insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.
- Liver health
Figleaf gourd helps to maintain liver health. It optimizes the metabolism of eliminating toxins from the body.
- Bone health
Fruits are rich in calcium which helps to maintain healthy bone. It provides the necessity of minerals required for bone fracture. It helps to strengthen bones.
- Prevents bacteria
Fruits contain tannin, flavonoids and alkaloids which is used to eliminate bacteria from the body. It acts against pathogenic infection and provides effects as anti-microbial to various bacteria. It helps to prevent the disease and speeds cure during illness.
- Helpful for depression
It acts as an antidepressant. It relieves nerves and provides a calm feeling. It is a great treatment for people with insomnia symptoms. It optimizes the quality of sleep.
- Relieves fever
Figleaf gourd helps to provide relief from treatment and restores body temperature to normal temperature. It speeds up recovery from influenza.
- Treat Heatiness
Fruit helps to treat heartiness. It calms down the heat inside the stomach. It absorbs heat and provides coldness to the body. It helps to lower the heatiness effect on the body.
- Weight Loss
Figleaf gourd seeds help to treat weight loss. It has low carbohydrates and high protein. It improves body metabolism to absorb vital nutrients and avoid unnecessary weight gain. It prevents cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
- Treat constipation
Fruits help to treat constipation with its laxative effect. It protects the stomach wall so that the stomach won’t be able to produce much gas and acid. Thus, it eliminates constipation and maintains stomach health.
- Digestive health
The fruit has a high content of dietary fiber. It improves the digestive system. It promotes the metabolism of the body and assists in fast digestion. Moreover, it acts as absorbing the crucial nutrients in the body. It optimizes the peristaltic movement and maintains intestinal health.
- Acts as antioxidant
Fruits are rich in isoflavones which acts as an antioxidant. It provides a pleasant feeling to the body. It eliminates the effect of the free radicals. Moreover, it maintains the body and prevents the signs of early aging.
- Lower infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation
Fruits are considered to be infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory. It cures sore throat by lowering the sore inflammation and results to fasten cure. It provides relief from pain by controlling nerves to provide relaxation against illness.
- Boost Immunity
The fruit has a high content of Vitamin C assisting in strengthening the immunity system. It assists to prevent bacterial infection. It also maintains body health.
- Bronchitis treatment
Fruits have antibacterial and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful in treating bronchitis. It relieves pain and maintains respiratory health.
Culinary uses
- Seeds, fruits, flowers, leaves, and tender shoots are consumed.
- Immature fruits are cooked as vegetables or used in soups.
- In Asia, pulp strands are used to make soup especially shark fin soup.
- The flesh is impregnated with sugar to prepare candy confection.
- Mature fruits are fermented to make alcoholic beverages.
- In Spain, mature fruit is processed into jam.
- In Portugal, Spain, and Hungary, sweet and mature fruits are used to make a sweet dessert.
- Roasted seeds are consumed as snacks like peanuts or also consumed raw.
- Roasted and dehusked seeds are used as a garnish for meats and potatoes.
- In Chiapas, Mexico seeds are used with honey to make palanquetas, a dessert.
- Oil is extracted from the seed.
- Young shoots, leaves, and flowers are used as greens.
- Use the buds and male flowers in soups, stews, and salads.
- In East Africa, leaves are consumed.
- In Tanzania and Kenya, leaves are mixed with pulses, maize, Irish potato, and green bananas.
- In Mexico, flowers and shoots are cooked as vegetables.
- Mature fruits are boiled and consumed.
Culinary uses
- Fruits are used as juice.
- Boil the mature fruits and mix them in soup.
- Add the flowers in the salad.
- Leaves are used to make herbal tea.
Traditional uses
- Ground the seeds with husk into flour and made into an emulsion with water and taken as a vermifuge.
- Use it as a purgative to expel tapeworms and other parasites.
HOW TO GROW CUCURBITA FICIFOLIA (Fig Leaf Gourd)
Start seeds in Spring to Early Summer in temperate regions or indoors 4 weeks before the last frost are expected. In warmer climates they can be started most of the year-round, avoiding the rainy season.
Step 1
Sow the seeds approximately 1-2 cm deep in a well-draining soil rich in compost. Water in and place in a warm, sunny location. Can be planted straight into the garden in a full sun position, space 80 cm’s to 1 meter apart
Step 2
It is important that the soil is kept moist (but not wet and boggy) during germination. If you are not home to monitor this and the weather is very warm, it is best to cover your pot/s with plastic kitchen wrap to maintain moisture and humidity – but this must be placed away from the full sun as you can cook your seeds this way! Place in a well-lit spot that is out of the direct sun in this instance.
Ideal germination temperatures are between 22-28°C/72-83°F
In the right conditions, germination should begin within 1-2 weeks. Will take longer if the temperatures are much cooler.
Step 3
Once established enough to be planted out pick a well-draining spot that has full sun and transplant it into the ground once daytime soil temperatures are consistently above 15°C (59°F).
If growing the Fig Leaf Gourd as a climbing plant, it will require a trellis or support to climb up. The fruits when ripe can weigh around 5 kilograms each, so it is important that this support is sturdy/strong.
Will need regular watering during warmer times of the year and also during flowering & fruiting periods.
Fruit is ready for juvenile harvesting around 40-50 days but mature fruit can take around 6 months.
Storage
- Young leaves remain fresh for 2 days and immature fruits are stored for a few weeks.
- Dry the seeds and store it for the longer time period.
Side Effects
- It causes allergic reactions such as itchiness, rash and might cause asthma.
- Pregnant women should avoid it.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649719/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3949128/
- https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-0-387-30443-4
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4644575/
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/vegetables
- https://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/fruit-and-vegetable-information
- https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/vegetables-pulses/
- https://www.fas.usda.gov/commodities/fruits-and-vegetables
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/vegetables-and-pulses-data/vegetables-and-pulses-yearbook-tables/
- https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/nutrition-information-raw-vegetables
- https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/nutrition-information-raw-fruits-vegetables-and-fish
- https://www.fda.gov/media/70792/download
- https://www.who.int/elena/titles/fruit_vegetables_ncds/en/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/fruit-vegetable
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/fruit-vegetable
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/vegetables
- https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823380-1.00013-7
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227160213_Vegetables_and_Vegetable_Products
- https://www.researchgate.net/journal/Journal-of-Vegetable-Crop-Production-1540-7357
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet
- https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2016/16_0259.htm
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9780470958346
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetable
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_root_vegetables
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_vegetable
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vegetables
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_foods
- https://www.fao.org/fruits-vegetables-2021/en/
- https://www.fao.org/in-action/inpho/crop-compendium/fruits-vegetables/en/
- https://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/1364793/
- https://books.google.com/books/about/Vegetables.html?id=Ce_wAAAAMAAJ
- https://books.google.com/books/about/Vegetables.html?id=6jrlyOPfr24C
- https://www.self.com/topic/vegetables
- https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/
- https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/vegetables
- https://www.nature.com/articles/162910b0
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13669870802380825
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008552.pub2/abstract
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2021/02/28/five-reasons-why-sea-vegetables-could-be-the-future-of-produce/
- https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/
- http://www.theplantlist.org/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cucurbita_ficifolia
- http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/content/malabar-gourd.htm
- https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cucurbita+ficifolia
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cucurbita-ficifolia/
- https://seaspringseeds.co.uk/shop/vegetable-seeds/exotic-vegetable-seeds/fig-leaf-gourd-seed/
- https://www.seeds-gallery.shop/en/home/figleaf-gourd-seeds-cidra-chila-gila-cucurbita-ficifolia.html
- https://www.caribbeangardenseed.com/products/copy-of-turks-turban-squash-seed-winter-squash-untreated-heirloom-open-pollinated
- https://www.nutritionvistas.com/fig-leaf-gourd-chilacayote/
- https://theseedvine.com.au/product/fig-leaf-gourd/
- https://sites.google.com/site/efloraofindia/species/a—l/cl/cucurbitaceae/cucurbita/cucurbita-filicifolia
