A tropical vine called Telfairia occidentalis is cultivated in West Africa for its tasty seeds and leaves. The plant is also known by the names fluted gourd, fluted pumpkin, ugu, and ikong-ubong. The plant, which also yields fibre, oil, and medications, is a highly common food crop in west Africa. For its seed, it is frequently farmed commercially. It is frequently traded in neighbourhood markets and is also shipped in huge quantities to urban areas.
A nice almond-like flavour can be found in the seeds. It can be crushed into flour and used to soups or boiled and eaten as a nut. Seeds that are immature are roasted or heated. Due to their strong antinutrient content, mature seeds should not be eaten straight. As a result of its superior water and fat absorption capabilities compared to oil, raw wheat is a beneficial ingredient in baking goods. The seed has a high concentration of a non-drying oil and up to 30% protein. The fruit, which can weigh up to 50 kg, has huge seeds with a diameter of up to 5 cm.
Common Name: Fluted Gourd, Fluted Pumpkin, Ugu, and Ikong-Ubong.
Botanical Name: Telfairia occidentalis
Bloom Time/Fruiting: 1 to 2 Years
Maintenance Required: Moderate
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