Below is a list of all known varieties for Ash Gourd (Winter Melon). Click on a variety name to view more detailed nutrient and sourcing information.
| Variety Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Ash Gourd (Candied/Wintermelon Candy) | A traditional preparation where the Ash Gourd is boiled in sugar syrup and dried, creating a translucent, sweet, and firm candy (*petha*) used widely in India and China. |
| Ash Gourd (Cooked Chunks) | The Ash Gourd cut into chunks and slow-cooked until translucent and tender. The chunks are used in South Indian curries and stews, valued for their mild flavor and ability to absorb spices. |
| Ash Gourd (Dried Cubes) | The flesh of the Ash Gourd cut into cubes and sun-dried. This shelf-stable form is primarily used in traditional Chinese soups and medicinal broths. |
| Ash Gourd (Dried/Candied) | The prepared form used to make the Indian sweet *petha*. The gourd is cured, boiled in syrup, and dried, resulting in a firm, translucent, sweet candy. |
| Ash Gourd (Green Skin) | A specific cultivar with a less-pronounced white, waxy coating, revealing the dark green skin beneath. This is often preferred when the gourd is harvested very young for use as a vegetable. |
| Ash Gourd (Juice) | The fresh juice extracted from the Ash Gourd. It is widely consumed in India for its cooling properties and mild, cucumber-like, neutral flavor. |
| Ash Gourd (Petha) | A specific variety of Ash Gourd that is used to make the famous Indian sweet *petha*. The mature gourd is candied, resulting in a sweet, gelatinous, and mildly flavored dessert. |