Benincasa (wax gourd). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Benincasa (wax gourd). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Content

Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Benincasa (wax gourd), Benincasa hispida. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Benincasa (wax gourd)

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Benincasa

Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbitaceae)

Origin: South Asia

Area: South Asia, Southeast Asia

Chemical composition: Benincasa is rich in B vitamins, vitamins C and E, as well as minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Economic value: The benincase fruit is used in cooking to make a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and curries. The plant is also used medicinally as a tonic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, wax can be obtained from the fruits, which is used in cosmetics and medicine.

Legends, myths, symbolism: One legend says that the wax gourd was a gift from the gods to help people survive in drought and heat. Symbolically, the plant can withstand the harsh conditions of dry climates and retain water within itself thanks to its thick, wax-like rind. Traditionally, the wax gourd has played an important role in religious ceremonies and rituals associated with fertility, birth and death. It was used as a sacrificial gift to the gods, as well as a symbol of fertility and wealth. In some myths, the wax gourd is associated with the tomb or the world of the dead. Its dense peel symbolizes protection from evil and the other world.

Benincasa (wax gourd), Benincasa hispida. Description, illustrations of the plant

Benincasa (wax gourd), Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. var. Benincasa cerifera Savi. Classification, synonyms, botanical description, nutritional value, cultivation

Benincasa (wax gourd)

French names. benincasa, courge a la cive; English wax gourd, white gourd; German Wachs Kurbiss; Swede, vax kurbits; Polish woskowe ogorki; in Indochina bi dao.

Annual plant; grows and cultivated in Java, Japan and other parts of tropical Asia. The whips of the benincasa reach 2 m in length, strongly and rigidly pubescent, the leaves are heart-shaped, 5-7-lobed, with a sinuous surface of the plate and with a serrated edge.

The flowers are quite large, yellow; fruits are oval, elongated, cylindrical or narrowed towards the stem, 25-40 cm long and 10-15 cm wide. At a young age, the fruits are covered with spines, which disappear by the time of ripeness. The flesh of the fruit is white, firm, aromatic, sour. The fruits are well preserved in limbo. Vilmorin points out that they can be stored all winter.

Seeds are flat, grayish, (1 seeds in 21 g), remain viable for up to 10 years; used like gourds.

Cultivated in the same way as pumpkin. During the winter, when this gourd is stored, the fruits are covered with white wax.

Benincasa (wax gourd)

Cucumeropsis edulis Cogn. Grows in tropical Africa (Dahomey, Nigeria, Congo).

It has edible fruits resembling ordinary cucumbers (30 cm long and 10 cm wide). The seeds contain edible oil.

Author Ipatiev A.N.

Benincasa (wax gourd), Benincasa hispida. Methods of application, origin of the plant, range, botanical description, cultivation

Benincasa (wax gourd)

Young and mature boiled fruits are eaten. Sliced and candied ripe fruits are used as sweets. Salads are made from young leaves and shoots, seeds are fried. Fruits contain 0,4% protein, 3-4% carbohydrates and 0,3% ash elements.

The birthplace of the benincasa is the island of Java. Known mainly in tropical Asia.

This is an annual climbing vine, reaching a length of several meters.

Male and female flowers are large, 8-12 cm in size.

The shape of the fruit is close to spherical, the dimensions are 20-35x15-20 cm. They have a green color and a powerful wax coating. The pulp is white.

Plantations where benincasa are grown are usually located in elevated areas up to 1 m above sea level. seas. More favorable for this crop are conditions with relatively constant high temperature and moderate precipitation than the conditions of excessive moisture characteristic of lowland areas.

Benincasa (wax gourd)

Plants are grown in soil rich in organic matter.

The layout is 90-120 x 60-80 cm, supports are used.

On each side shoot, one fruit is left to ripen.

Harvesting starts 80-160 days after sowing. The mass of individual fruits can reach 12-40 kg, so they need additional supports. Productivity up to 20 t/ha.

Authors: Baranov V.D., Ustimenko G.V.

Benincasa (wax gourd), Benincasa hispida. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Ethnoscience:

Treatment of urolithiasis: Prepare a tincture of 10 grams of dried benincase fruit and 1 cup of boiling water. Let it brew for 30 minutes, then strain and drink the resulting infusion twice a day for several days. It can help dissolve urinary stones and relieve pain when urinating.
Constipation treatment: eating food prepared with benincase can help improve intestinal motility and relieve constipation.
Treatment of diabetes: drinking benincase infusion may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes due to its ability to improve carbohydrate metabolism.
Edema treatment: prepare a tincture of 50 grams of fresh benincase and 1 liter of water. Let it steep for several hours, then drink the resulting infusion twice a day to reduce swelling and improve urination.
Treatment of skin diseases: Apply fresh benincase slurry to the skin to reduce inflammation and itching in skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Cosmetology:

Mask for the face: Mix fresh benincase puree with honey and coconut oil for a nourishing face mask. Apply to face and leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask helps to moisturize and soften the skin, as well as improve its color and texture.
Hair care product: Wax gourd is rich in vitamin C and carotene, which help strengthen hair and speed up hair growth. Mix puree of fresh benincase with milk thistle oil and egg yolk, apply to hair and leave for 30 minutes. Then wash off with warm water and shampoo.
Face tonic: Fresh wax gourd juice can be used as a facial toner to hydrate and refresh the skin. Apply to face with a cotton pad and leave for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
Body cream: Combine fresh benincase puree with cocoa butter and aloe vera for a nourishing body cream. Apply to skin after shower or bath and massage until completely absorbed.
Nail strengthener: wax gourd is rich in calcium and iron, which help strengthen nails. Mix puree of fresh benincase with olive oil and jojoba oil, apply to nails and massage for a few minutes. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Benincasa (wax gourd), Benincasa hispida. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Benincasa, or wax gourd, is an annual plant in the gourd family.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing benincase:

Cultivation:

Benincasa prefers sunny locations and well-drained soils with a pH of 6,5-7,5.
Benincasa seeds can be sown in the ground in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
Plants need to be watered regularly and fertilized every two weeks.
When flowers and fruits appear, watering should be reduced so as not to overmoisten the plants.
The fruits ripen within 100-120 days after sowing.

Workpiece:

Benincasa can be used as a culinary ingredient in a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, salads and canned snacks.
To use benincase in cooking, you must first remove the hard outer shell with a sharp knife.
The fruit can then be cut into pieces or cut into thin slices.

Storage:

Benincase can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
For long-term storage, fruits must be dried and stored in a cool and dry place for up to 6 months.

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