Spiny Gourd (Katola / Kakoda)

Kantola, commonly known as Spiny Gourd or Teasle Gourd (Momordica dioica) is a perennial, dioecious climbing vine from the Cucurbitaceae family, prized seasonal delicacy in Indian and South Asian cuisines, typically harvested and consumed in the monsoon season.

The small, ovoid fruit is covered in soft spines or tubercles, is green with lighter specks, and turns orange-red when fully mature.

Widely used in Ayurveda and folk medicine; believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and used to manage blood sugar and cholesterol.

Has a bitter taste akin to bitter gourd but milder; usually cooked in stir-fries, curries, or stuffed dishes where the spines soften upon cooking.

10 seeds per packet.