How much is snake gourd per jin? 2019 snake gourd prices and how to eat it
Snake gourd is an annual climbing vine plant. The surface of the gourd has alternating white and green stripes resembling a white-banded snake, and after it matures, the surface of the gourd shows alternating red and green stripes resembling a red-banded snake, which is also the origin of the name snake gourd. So how much does this beautiful and rare plant cost per jin on the market? And how should it be eaten?
1. The price of snake gourd
Snake gourd is actually a rather unfamiliar thing to most people. It is also known as snake loofah or snake bean. It can be used not only as a vegetable but also as an ornamental plant. At present, snake gourd is grown as one of the ornamental agricultural varieties in many regions. The ornamental period of snake gourd is much longer than that of other ornamental agricultural varieties, lasting up to three months. When snake gourd is used as a vegetable, its young fruit, young leaves and young stems are all edible, with a distinctive taste.
Back around 2010, when snake gourd had just entered the market, its price was very high, once reaching 40 yuan per jin. As the scale of cultivation expanded, the price of snake gourd returned to a normal level. Today the price of snake gourd is generally around 2-4 yuan, not much different from ordinary vegetables. Prices may vary in some regions, so everyone should still refer to local market prices. Snake gourd generally comes on the market in autumn, so friends who want to eat it can go look for it in the market.
2. How to eat snake gourd
Snake gourd is very nutritious, containing abundant carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It can clear summer heat and relieve fever, supplement trace elements, supplement calcium and strengthen bones, and replenish moisture and nourish the skin. It is suitable for children, nursing mothers and the elderly. The young gourd of snake gourd has soft flesh and a slight unpleasant odor, but after cooking it turns fragrant and slightly sweet. The young fruit and young stems and leaves of snake gourd can be stir-fried or made into soup, and the flavor and texture are both very fresh and tender.
When eating snake gourd, it is best to peel it first. It can be stir-fried plainly or stewed in soup. There is no need to describe the specific methods one by one. It is just that when selecting snake gourd, if the stripes turn red, it is old. This kind of snake gourd has too thick a skin and no fresh, tender texture when eaten. You can also pinch the gourd skin with your hand. If it pinches easily, it is tender; if it cannot be pinched, it means it is old.
The above is some knowledge about snake gourd. Snake gourd is not difficult to grow yourself. Friends with spare land at home can consider planting a few snake gourd seeds. It does not need excessive care and has no particular pests or diseases, and by autumn you can eat snake gourd you grew yourself.