Snake Gourd (Chichinda)

Snake Gourds that are used for consumption have waxy green skin and are often speckled or striped with a lighter shade of green. The gourd may grow straight or in twisted curls and spirals. When they are young, the seeds are fairly non-existent, the pulp around the seed mass is firm and the flavour is mild and similar to a cucumber. As it matures, the rind becomes hard, turns red, and the flavour becomes bitter and gelatinous with many seeds.