Momordica Kokhinkha

Momordica Kokhinkha (also gak or karela) is an annual herbaceous climbing plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, widespread in Asia. On the territory of Our Country, this fruit crop is not so well known, however, the beneficial properties of the plant and its unpretentiousness have already won favorable reviews from gardeners. In addition, Momordica Kokhinkha is often grown as a decorative element, filling the free space of balconies and loggias with lush lianas.

General description of the plant

Momordica (in Asia, another name for the plant is common – Gak) is a herbaceous vine, which rather quickly braids the nearest supporting structures. The fruits of the plant in their appearance resemble large overripe cucumbers or melons, due to which Momordica is often called Indian cucumber or Chinese melon in common people.

The stems of Momordica Kokhinkha are very strong, despite the fact that their thickness often causes some concern. The vine can look quite fragile and unreliable. The length of the plant varies from 2,5 to 4 m. Gak leaves are large, rich green.

Flowers have yellow tones. There is a significant difference between male and female flowers – while the former are located on tall peduncles, the latter grow on short pedicels. In addition, female flowers are inferior in size to male ones. Male flowers bloom first, followed by female flowers, giving the liana a decorative appearance. In the reviews of those who grow Momordika Kokhinkha, the rich jasmine aroma of the plant is especially noted.

The diameter of the ripe fruits of Momordica Kokhinkha can reach 12 cm, the average length is 20-25 cm. The surface of the fruit is uneven – a warty-type peel, dotted with many small growths. The color of the skin varies from yellow to orange.

Seeds of Momordika Kokhinkha are flat, with a pungent odor. The pulp is juicy, dark red. The taste of ripe fruits is pleasant, but at the same time, a slight bitter aftertaste is noted in the reviews.

Range of growth

In Europe, Momordica Cochin is not found in the wild. Here the plant is grown as an ornamental or fruit crop only in greenhouses and botanical gardens. In Asia, Momordica Kokhinkha is common as a wild plant in:

• Thailand;
• Cambodia
• India;
• Vietnam;
• China;
• Laos;
• Malaysia;
• as well as in the Philippines.

Composition, nutritional value and calorie content of exotic fruits

The beneficial properties of Momordica Kokhinkha are due to the rich chemical composition of all parts of plants: fruits, leaves and roots. The content of the following substances in Gack is especially high:

• menthol;
• arginine;
• alanine;
• glycine;
• lutein;
• lanosterol;
• lycopene;
• stigmasterin;
• stearic acid;
• ascorbic acid;
• riboflavin;
• niacin;
• micro and macro elements (sodium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, phosphorus, copper, iodine).

The calorie content of Gac is only 19 calories per 100 g.

Benefit and harm

Regular moderate use of Gac brings undeniable benefits to the body. Momordica Kokhinhinskaya have the following effects on human health:

• strengthens the immune system;
• increases the general tone of the body;
• prevents the development of gastrointestinal diseases;
• normalizes the activity of the female organs of the genitourinary system;
• has a preventive effect against cancer;
• relieves headache;
• increases hemoglobin level;
• improves blood clotting;
• normalizes blood sugar levels;
• helps with rheumatism, relieves pain in the joints and muscles;
• reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases;
• reduces the tension of the nervous system, which helps with insomnia, chronic fatigue and depression;
• has a regenerating effect in purulent-inflammatory processes;
• reduces puffiness;
• normalizes lymphatic processes, the disruption of which leads to the formation of cellulite;
• improves metabolism;
• removes toxins from the body;
• improves vision;
• stimulates the production of collagen and elastin;
• heals burns and mechanical damage to the skin;
• helps to get rid of skin imperfections when applied externally;
• the seeds of Momordica Kokhinkha have an anti-febrile effect;
• The root of the plant is used as an expectorant for bronchitis.

Despite the extensive list of useful properties, Gack also has a number of contraindications. In particular, this product is not recommended for use in the following cases:

1. During pregnancy, eating dishes from Momordica Kokhinka can provoke a miscarriage, as its fruits have too intense a tonic effect on the uterus.
2. When breastfeeding, the risk of developing an allergic reaction in an infant is high.
3. Children under the age of 3 years are not able to fully assimilate the substances contained in the fruits of Momordica Cochin.
4. With increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the larynx. The pulp of the fruit provokes a strong sore throat in this case.
5. It is better not to include dishes from Momordika Kokhinkha in the diet for urolithiasis. Regular consumption of the fruits of the plant makes it difficult to remove stones.
6. You can not eat Momordika Kokhinkha in food with intestinal diverticulosis in order to avoid severe colic.
7. During menstruation, substances contained in various parts of the plant provoke intense bleeding.

Cooking application

Momordica Kokhinkhinsky has found wide application in cooking. More often, various parts of the plant are used to prepare salads, caviar and jams, while bitterness is removed by soaking in salt water. The following recipe for caviar from Momordika Kokhinka is quite popular:

1. The pulp soaked in salt water is finely chopped. It will take 500-600 g of pulp.
2. The onion is cut into small pieces. Two large bulbs are enough.
3. 2-3 carrots are rubbed on a fine grater and mixed with chopped garlic (4-6 cloves).
4. All ingredients are mixed and laid out in a pan.
5. The mixture is fried in sunflower oil until a soft slurry is formed.
6. During the frying process, the caviar is salted and peppered to taste. Upon reaching full readiness, you can additionally pass the mixture through a blender or knead it with a fork for better uniformity.

To prepare cold jam, the pulp is dried on paper towels, then mixed with lemon and orange, kneaded in a meat grinder. Haka seeds are also often fried in flour, egg and sour cream breading, boiled and used as a vitamin supplement in soups. The taste of fruits is emphasized by their combination with cucumbers, tomatoes, fried pork, mashed coconut, and yogurt. Powdered seeds are added to the dough for sweet pastries.

Growing rules

Momordika Kokhinkha is grown from seeds, however, planting a plant in open ground is possible only in regions with a warm climate. On the territory of the middle zone and the north of Our Country, Momordika Kokhinkhinsky is bred exclusively in greenhouse conditions, and growing a plant on a balcony is also quite popular. In doing so, the following recommendations should be followed:

1. Momordica Kokhinhinskaya does not tolerate open sunlight, so it is necessary to provide the plant with a slight shade. It is best to place Momordika on balconies with a western or southern orientation.
2. Strong drafts and sudden changes in temperature adversely affect the development of vines. In some cases, such growing conditions lead to the death of the plant.
3. It is recommended to avoid excessive watering of Momordica. Stagnation of moisture is detrimental to the root system of the plant. In order for excess water not to linger in the soil, good drainage is necessary.
4. Best of all, the liana develops on loose soils with weak acidity.
5. The root system of Momordica Kokhinkhinsky is quite superficial, so they do not use too large containers for planting vines. The recommended volume of the pot or container is 10 liters. Containers less than 5 liters are not suitable for the plant.
6. Momordica Kokhinkha is a large plant, and its fruits are quite heavy. In this regard, the vine is grown mainly on a trellis, otherwise the shoots will break off.
7. For better development, Momordica is pinched. Usually 2-3 strongest whips are left.
8. When growing Momordica Kokhinkha at home or in greenhouse conditions, it is necessary to artificially pollinate the plant. To do this, use a soft brush, which is fanned with anthers from one flower and transferred to another.

You can learn more about growing Gack in the garden from the video below:

Some interesting facts about the Cochin Momordica

There are several interesting facts from the history of plant breeding:

1. The name of the plant was based on the unusual property of the vine – it is impossible to touch it with bare hands before the fruit ripens. Momordica Kokhinkha before fruiting “bites” like nettles, severely burning hands. That is why the plant was named Momordica, which in Latin means “to bite.” In addition, the appearance of the leaves of the creeper, according to the inhabitants of Asia, resembles a dog bite.
2. Dried pulp of Momordica is an indispensable element of Indian curry seasoning.
3. Now the plant is an affordable fruit crop that anyone can grow, however, in ancient times this was not possible. Momordica was considered a noble plant that was forbidden to be eaten by ordinary people. Moreover, violation of this prohibition was punishable by death. Dishes from Momordica were prepared only for members of the imperial family.

Conclusion

Momordica Kokhinkha is highly valued in Asia as a medicinal plant, while in Europe the taste qualities of this exotic culture are of greater interest. In Our Country, Momordica is almost impossible to grow outdoors, however, this does not interfere with the spread of the plant – it is planted in greenhouses and on balconies, using it both as a fruit crop and as an ornament. Momordica is gaining more and more popularity due to its beneficial properties and unusual taste, the relative unpretentiousness of the plant is no less important.