Caigua

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Caigua
Cyclanthera pedata2.jpg
Plant Info
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Cyclanthera
Species: C. pedata

Binomial name
Cyclanthera pedata
(L.) Schrader

Synonyms
Momordica pedata L.

The caigua (pronounced kai-wa) is a vine grown for its small fruit, used as a vegetable. It is also known as caygua, caihua, cayua, achocha, achokcha, slipper gourd, lady's slipper, sparrow gourd (Template:Zh-cp), stuffing cucumber, or korila.

Extracts from the fruit may have medicinal value.

Origin and distribution

Likely domesticated in the Andes, the caigua is now grown many parts of Central America and South America, as well as parts of the Eastern Hemisphere tropics.

Food uses

The immature fruits may be eaten raw or pickled. Unlike many cucurbitaceous fruits, the caigua become quite hollow as it matures, and the mature fruit is often eaten stuffed. The young shoots and leaves may also be eaten as greens.

External links

Template:Unimelb

Template:Vegetable-stub