Lauki in English and benefits
What Is Lauki Called in English? (Bottle Gourd Name in the USA Explained)
Lauki is called
This low-calorie summer vegetable is popular in Indian households for its cooling nature, weight-loss benefits, and easy digestibility.
This popular vegetable consumed heavily during summer season here in India. A versatile vegetable that used in various dishes including curries, soups, stir fry and even dessert. Lauki is low in calories and rich in nutrients like Vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
Bottle gourd is a light green, smooth-skinned vegetable with a mild flavor and soft flesh. When cooked, it becomes tender and easily absorbs spices, making it perfect for Indian curries, stews, and even desserts like Lauki halwa.
Other English Names For Lauki
Vegetable Names
| Regional Name | English Name |
|---|---|
| Lauki / Loki | Bottle Gourd |
| Dudhi / Doodhi | Calabash Gourd |
| Ghiya | White-flowered Gourd |
| Sorakaya / Suraikkai | Long Melon |
In Hindi, Lauki (рд▓ौрдХी) means Bottle Gourd in English.
What is Lauki Called in the USA ?
In the United States, lauki is typically labeled as Bottle Gourd or Calabash in Indian and Asian grocery stores. It’s not a common name on mainstream supermarket shelves, so look for it in produce sections of specialty stores.
Lauki belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae and comes in a variety of shapes like small and bottle shape, huge and round or slim and twisty. It has a light green smooth skin and a white inner flesh. It can be either harvested young to be consumed as a vegetable or harvested nature to be dried and used as a utensils, container or a musical instrument. Lauki was one of the world's first cultivated plants grown not primarily for food but for use as container.
Health Benefits of Lauki (Bottle Gourd)
1. Keeps the Body Cool:
Contains 92% water, keeping you hydrated and naturally cooling your system
during summer.
2. Supports Weight Loss:
Low in calories and rich in fiber, making you feel full and reducing hunger.
To find your daily calorie requirement, use my Daily Calorie Intake Calculator.
3. Improves Digestion:
Its dietary fiber helps prevent constipation and improves bowel movements.
4. Promotes Heart Health:
Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and support a healthy heart.
5. Good for Skin and Hair:
Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and zinc — helps maintain glowing skin and
strong hair.
Regular consumption can calm the mind and improve sleep quality
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Lauki Juice benefits for Skin and Health
- Lauki is packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, antioxidant and zinc which helps dealing with premature ageing of skin.
- Consumption of lauki juice helps to slow down cell ageing and prevent wrinkle appearing on the face.
- You can even apply it on your face and neck region for instant glow of your skin.
- Lauki juice cleanses guts and system and thus keeps dirt and oil under control. Which in turn reduces acne and pimples.
For diabetes
Lauki is considered as a good choice for diabetic patients. It contains 92 % water and the remaining is fiber only. It has less or negligible amount of glucose and other sugar related compound, which makes it a ideal food for diabetic patients.
Side Effects of Lauki Juice
While Lauki is healthy, there are some
precautions:
- Never drink bitter Lauki juice — it can cause nausea or vomiting.
- Overconsumption may lead to gas or loose motion.
- Diabetics should consult a doctor before daily intake (it may lower blood sugar).
- Some people may experience mild allergic
reactions.
How to identify a good Lauki?
Choosing the right
Lauki is the secret to a great dish. As a chef, I can tell you that if you pick
a mature or bitter one, no amount of spices can save the recipe. Here is how I
select the perfect bottle gourd at the market:
1. The Visual Check (The "Freshness" Look)
- Color: Look for a pale, light green color. If it looks dark green or has yellow patches, it’s likely over-ripened and will be tough inside.
- Skin Texture: The skin should be smooth and shiny. Avoid any lauki with dark spots, deep scratches, or "bruises." These spots often hide rot that goes deep into the flesh.
- Shape: Stick to slender, medium-sized gourds. Very large, "fat" laukis are usually filled with hard, mature seeds and have less edible flesh.
2. The Chef’s "Pro Touch" Tests
- The Weight Test: Pick it up! A good lauki should feel heavy for its size. This means it is full of water and hasn't dried out. If it feels "light" or hollow, it’s old.
- The Fingernail Test: This is the gold standard. Gently press your thumbnail into the skin. If your nail pierces the skin easily and a clear, watery droplet appears, it is young and tender. If the skin is hard and resists your nail, it’s too mature.
- The Stalk Check: Look at the stem. It should be firm and green. If the stalk is missing or looks shriveled and black, the vegetable was harvested a long time ago.
3. The Safety Rule: The Bitter Test
Chef’s Warning: Never skip this! Before you start cooking,
cut a tiny piece from the tip and taste it. If it tastes bitter, throw it away
immediately. Bitter lauki contains Cucurbitacin, which can be toxic and cause
severe stomach issues. A good lauki should have a mild, neutral, and slightly
sweet watery taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is lauki called in English?
Lauki is called Bottle Gourd in English. In some countries, it is also known as Calabash.
2. Can we drink lauki juice daily?
Lauki juice can be consumed regularly, but 2–3 times a week is ideal. Daily consumption is generally safe for healthy individuals, but moderation is recommended.
3. What is the best time to drink lauki juice?
The best time to drink lauki juice is early morning on an empty stomach. It should be consumed immediately after preparation, as the juice oxidizes quickly.
If you're looking for more ways to improve digestion naturally, I also recommend reading about the benefits of drinking Methi Water
4. Are bottle gourd and calabash the same?
Yes, bottle gourd and calabash refer to the same vegetable. The name varies depending on region and country.
5. Can lauki help with diabetes?
Yes, lauki may help people with diabetes due to its low glycemic index, high fiber content, and high water content, which support blood sugar regulation when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
While Lauki is a staple in every Indian home, many people are now exploring gourmet vegetables like
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NICE TO MEET YOU!
I’m Mobasir Hassan, Executive Sous Chef with the Radisson Hotel Group. After years in hotel kitchens, I now share chef-tested recipes, step-by-step cooking techniques, and restaurant-style dishes that home cooks can recreate with confidence. I’m glad you’re here!