Tinda is a rare plant, grown as an annual climbing plant or creeper in well-drained sandy soil. After a few weeks, it produces many purple flowers that may require bees for pollination. Tinda is a round gourd that is split in size from 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Outside, the surface of the light green skin is often hairy, especially in young fruit. In it, the flesh is white and sweet, with oval fruits usually on its head. Tinda has a neutral and sweet flavor that has been described as sweet like a gourd. Tinda is ready to harvest 12 to 15 weeks after harvest, depending on temperature and growing conditions. Young fruits are harvested shortly before maturity for use as vegetables.
How to grow Tinda from seed
- Fill the pot with well-drained soil.
- Gently place the seeds in the growing medium with your fingers and cover them with soil. Use soft water and place the pot in a bright sunny spot.
- Seeds will complete the germination process in 6-8 days. The first two leaves (false leaves) called cotyledons will appear during the second week of germination.
- The first true leaves will appear on the cotyledons at the end of the second week. From the second week, you will notice that the seedlings begin to grow into small plants.
The truth is now
Tinda is a small squash that grows on vines that can reach over 1-2 meters in height and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family along with cucumbers, squash and pumpkins. Also known as Indian apple squash, crown squash, Indian squash, Indian baby pumpkin, Tindi, and apple squash, Tinda is a popular vegetable in South Asia, India, and Pakistan. Tinda is used in a variety of spices and has a mild flavor that will take the next taste in the dish. It is often used in curries, stews and for cooking.
Nutritional value
Tinda is a good source of vitamin A, antioxidants and has a high water content.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, 100 g of tinda contains 21 kcal, 1.4 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 1.6 g fiber, 3.6 g carbohydrates, 0.9 mg iron, 25 mg calcium. . , 24 mg of phosphorus, 0.3 mg of niacin, 18 mg of vitamin C and 13 μg of carotene.
Benefits of Tinda
Medical use of Tinda
Tinda is well known for its beneficial effects on the digestive system. Vegetables have a soothing effect that relieves various digestive problems. In Pakistan, tinda is widely used as a remedy for hemorrhoids and constipation. The high water and fiber content of superfoods aids digestion and prevents the absorption of toxic chemicals in the intestines. Apart from this, tinda is found to improve the pH balance in the stomach, which reduces the acidity of the stomach.
Tinda is also noted for its anthelmintic properties that effectively eliminate parasitic worms – such as tapeworms, roundworms and other intestinal parasites – from the body. Tinda juice kills worms in the same way as Albendazole (a common anthelmintic drug). In addition, the high water content of the superfood promotes satiety and helps promote weight loss. Similarly, the high water of tinda provides a diuretic effect that stimulates urination and helps drain water and waste from the body.
Additionally, tinda is thought of for its heart benefits. Vegetables contain other powerful compounds that protect the heart from oxidative stress. Similarly, the low fat and fiber content of this superfood helps control the body’s blood pressure levels. Tinda is believed to be a powerful food against prostate cancer due to its high antioxidant content.
In addition, tinda’s powerful antioxidants are known to prevent the effects of free radicals and strengthen the body’s fight against many diseases. In addition to this, tinda has antimicrobial properties that help prevent various diseases. In addition, the globulin in tinda seeds helps to transport the nutrients in the body and makes the expansion in general. In addition, tinda seeds contain omega-6 fatty acids that promote brain function and support the nervous system. Similarly, the superfood is known to improve the health of the skin and hair.
Selection And Storage
Tinda bottles are available all year round in the Asian market. Tinda squash can be easily crushed due to its soft, hard skin and should be handled with care. Farmers often take them to market in cardboard boxes to protect their skins.
Choose firm, shiny, young squash when it’s in season. Buy fresh herbs with pure flower recipes and powders.
Avoid broad and thick skin because they are mature and therefore lack appetite. Also, avoid anything, if it has a spot, surface spot, damage, cut/punch, etc.
At home, store in a crisper in the refrigerator for use within 1-2 days. Avoid long-term storage in the refrigerator as they are susceptible to cold injury.
Health Advantages From Tinda
Improves eye health
Being full of vitamin A, tinda works wonders for improving visual function and is a good addition to a regular diet to support eye health. It is also rich in carotenoid antioxidants – lutein, zeaxanthin, which are the main components of the retina and protect the organelles of the eye. In addition, tinda helps prevent vision problems, problems such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and cataracts in recent years.
Reduces anxiety and depression
Tinda or Indian round gourd contains a lot of vitamin B6, that is, pyridoxine, which is involved in the transmission of impulses and signals through the nerves, and in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters that regulate mood, serotonin and dopamine. This green vegetable is also rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc – minerals that are important to strengthen the brain, memory, concentration and fight the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improves the digestive system
Tinda or round gourd has a high fiber content, which helps prevent constipation, flatulence and stomach pain, when you eat heavy food. In addition, its laxative nature regulates bowel movements, thus reducing any discomfort experienced in the bowels.
Other possible benefits
Apart from the benefits mentioned above, tinda also produces a few other benefits such as fighting fever, maintaining a healthy electrolyte balance, jaundice, immune system and liver, treating joint diseases, prevention, help with insomnia, detoxification of the kidneys, improving the digestive system and strengthening breathing. system.
A source of vitamin A, antioxidants, tinda vegetables are believed to help people suffering from high stomach acidity. Tinda is 95% water, making it an excellent food for weight loss and detox programs.
