Ash Gourd Juice Winter Melon Juice

Ash gourds are very common in the South Indian Kitchen. Growing up, my Mom and Grandmom made Sambar, Majjige Huli, Curries, Raita, and Dessert (also known as Kashi/Dumroot halwa) using Ash gourd.
The famous North Indian dessert from Agra, known as Petha is made from it. In other countries, it is also used in making soups, curries, smoothies, etc. This ash gourd fruit is considered very auspicious in South India, it is generally hung in front of new homes or gates as it creates positive vibrations and clears negative energy. Recently, I learned about Ash Gourd and its enormous Health Benefits. As Recommended by Sadhguru, It’s the highly pranic food or positive Satvik food on earth. It is one of nature’s superfoods. Today I am sharing the Ash Gourd Juice recipe, one of the best Indian summer drinks with cooling properties, highly nutritious, and hydrating. It is a great detoxifying juice as it flushes out toxins from our bodies and aids in weight loss. It’s best to consume a glass of ash gourd juice every day in the morning on an empty stomach. However, If you want to drink daily in your diet, please consult your local physician or nutritionist before starting.

What is Ash Gourd?

Ash gourd, also known as Benincasa hispida, winter melon, wax gourd, white melon, white gourd, and Chinese melon, is a vine-grown vegetable native to parts of South Asian countries (India, China, Nepal, and Sri Lanka). It is generally available in dark green or pale green rinds. If you are looking for a ripe ash gourd, look for an ash gourd with skin that is whitish-green in color.

What does ash gourd juice taste like?

The juice has no taste and is very bland, similar to cucumber. It is recommended to drink pure ash gourd juice to get full benefits. To elevate the flavors, you can also add lime/lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If you give it to the kids, mix it with coconut water to make it slightly sweet.

Other Indian names for Ash Gourd are

Hindi - Safed Petha/Kaddu Kannada - Boodu Kumbalakai/Budekumbalakayi Tamil - Neer Poosanikai Telugu - Boodida Gummadikaaya Marathi - Kohla Bengali - Chal Kumro Punjabi - Petha Assamese - Komora Uttar Pradesh - Kumra Gujarati - Rakhodi Kolun

Health Benefits of Ash Gourd

Ash Gourd has several health benefits.

Comprises 96% water, low in calories, fat, protein, and carbs. Rich in fiber. It acts as a coolant and cools the body. Flushes out the toxins from the body. Improves digestion Increase energy levels Protects the heart

Ingredients

Ash gourd (winter melon) - choose a gourd with dark or pale green rind, firm, and heavy for its size. Avoid the ones with cracks and bruises. Lime juice (or lemon juice): use freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice for a slight tang. Seasoning - ground black pepper & Himalayan pink salt (or regular salt).

How to Make Ash Gourd/Winter Melon Juice

Wash and cut the ash gourd. Next, remove the large seeds and center the soft part of the ash gourd. Peel the outer skin and dice it into ½-inch pieces.

Using a Blender

Transfer the diced ash gourd, and water into a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or jug. Press the pulp with a spoon to extract all the juice. Then add lime juice, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and serve immediately.

Using a Juicer

Put the diced ash gourd pieces into your juicer chute one at a time. Collect the juice, squeeze some lime juice, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dilute it with some water if desired, and enjoy immediately!

Storage Suggestions

Consuming the ash gourd juice within 15 minutes of making it is highly recommended to get full nutritional benefits. However, you can store the leftover juice in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

Variations & Substitutions

Plain: You may also drink plain ash gourd juice without adding lime juice, salt, and pepper for full health benefits. Mint and Ginger: You can also add mint leaves and some ginger to the blender. Coconut water: You can add tender coconut water to the ash gourd juice to make it sweet and flavorful.