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We Carry A Large Variety Of Asian & Caribbean Products. Non-GMO Gardening Seeds & More
We Carry A Large Variety Of Asian & Caribbean Products. Non-GMO Gardening Seeds & More

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Chilacayote Seeds, Figleaf gourd,Shark Fin squash, ASIAN VEGETABLE

Original price $ 3.29 - Original price $ 5.49
Original price
$ 3.29
$ 3.29 - $ 5.49
Current price $ 3.29
Gourd: 10 Seeds

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Figleaf gourd Gourd Seeds, – Cucurbita ficifolia, TREATED SEED ONLY.
This squash or melon is known as Shark Fin squash, Malabar gourd, Seven Year melon. It is grown for its edible seeds, fruit, and greens. Fruit skin color is cream-white color with green stripes and average 6-8" long and 4 lbs in weight. When cooked the flesh become noodle-like. Asian cuisines use it in soups and is a good substitute for the shark fin in shark fin soup. In Asia, it is implied that eating this melon will help a diabetic condition. AVAILABLE IN THIRAM TREATED SEED ONLY.
Fig Leaf Gourd or Chilacayote, scientifically called as Cucurbita ficifolia is a plant native to Latin America. It is mainly grown for its use as a vegetable and also in the preparation of jams and jellies.
The plant got its common name Fig Leaf gourd as its leaves look similar to those of Fig tree. It also got several other names like Malabar gourd as it is grown in Malabar coast of India, shark fin melon as it is used as a substitute in shark fin soup. Although the plant is widely grown in Latin American Countries It is also popular in several European and Asian countries.
Uses of Chilacayote
Chilacayote is mainly grown for its fruits. Immature fruits are cooked as a vegetable just like other cucumbers and squashes. The tender leaves of the plant are also used as a vegetable in some parts of Africa and South America.
The pulp of matured fruits is used for the preparation of jams, jellies, and candies. Its pulp strands are also used in the preparation of soups and are popular as a substitute in shark fin soup.
When roasted, the Chilacayote seeds have a great taste and are used as a snack just like peanuts. After removing the peel, seeds are roasted and ground into a mixture and is also used in the preparation of various dishes.
The fruits and the seeds are also well known for their nutritious value and numerous health benefits.
In Europe, Fig Leaf Gourd is also used as an ornamental plant.
Warm season annual
Maturity: Approx. 90 days
Planting season: Late spring/Early summer.
Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in late spring/ early summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location. Seeds will rot if soil is too wet or cold. Hill planting: Form soil into a 1' diameter mound 3-4" tall. Space mounds 4-6' apart. On each mound plant 1-2 seeds. Row planting: See spacing info in chart. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Hand pollination may be necessary. The vine can be trained to climb a vertical support for better air circulation and ease of harvest or left to sprawl on the ground. After harvest, winter squash should be left in the sun for a few days to cure before storing. Select your desired size and color from the available option

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