Lauki in English and benefits
What Is Lauki Called in English? (Bottle Gourd Name in the USA Explained)
In the USA and other countries, it is also known as Calabash. Scientifically, lauki is called Lagenaria siceraria.
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.
लौकी को इंग्लिश में क्या कहते हैं?
लौकी को अंग्रेजी में Bottle Gourd कहते हैं। इसे Calabash और White-Flowered Gourd भी कहा जाता है। वैज्ञानिक भाषा में इसे Lagenaria siceraria कहते हैं। यह एक कम कैलोरी वाली सब्जी है जो गर्मियों में शरीर को ठंडा रखती है।
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 (लौकी) means Bottle Gourd in English.
Lauki in Different Indian Languages
As a chef who has worked across India, I have noticed that every region has its own name for this humble vegetable. Whether you call it Dudhi in Maharashtra or Sorakaya in Andhra Pradesh, the cooking properties remain the same.
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.
लौकी खाने के फायदे (Lauki Khane Ke Fayde)
मैंने अपने 13+ साल के होटल किचन अनुभव में देखा है कि लौकी भारतीय खाने की सबसे underrated सब्जियों में से एक है। इसके फायदे जानकर आप हैरान रह जाएंगे।
Chef Hassan's Tip — लौकी खाने के 6 बड़े फायदे:
- वजन घटाने में मदद: लौकी में कैलोरी बेहद कम (केवल 15 kcal/100g) और पानी 92% होता है, जो भूख को कंट्रोल करता है।
- पाचन सुधारे: इसमें मौजूद dietary fiber कब्ज को दूर करता है और आंतों को स्वस्थ रखता है।
- दिल को स्वस्थ रखे: Potassium blood pressure को नियंत्रित करता है और cholesterol को कम करने में मदद करता है।
- शरीर को ठंडा रखे: गर्मियों में लौकी का सेवन body temperature को naturally कम करता है।
- डायबिटीज में फायदेमंद: इसका glycemic index बेहद कम है, जो blood sugar को control करता है।
- त्वचा को निखारे: Vitamin C और antioxidants skin को glowing और healthy बनाते हैं।
- Chia Seeds benefits nutrition
- ABC juice benefits
High Protein Vegetarian Foods India 7-day weight loss guide
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.
Lauki Ka Tel — Bottle Gourd Oil Benefits
One question I often get from readers is about lauki ka tel — bottle gourd oil. This is cold-pressed oil extracted from the seeds of a fully matured, dried bottle gourd. It is different from the juice you drink. In Ayurvedic practice, this oil has been used for centuries for hair and scalp health.
Chef's Note on Lauki Ka Tel:
In professional kitchens we work with cold-pressed seed oils regularly. Lauki seed oil is extracted from fully dried, mature gourds — the same ones I would not use for cooking as they are past their edible stage. Do not confuse lauki juice (from fresh vegetable) with lauki oil (from dried seeds). Both are beneficial, but for very different purposes.
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.
Lauki Ki Sabji — Easy Bottle Gourd Curry
After juice, the most searched lauki recipe is lauki ki sabji. In my years of running live kitchen stations at Radisson, I have served hundreds of Indian thali menus where a simple, well-seasoned lauki sabzi was always the crowd favourite. Here is my quick method:
Quick Lauki Sabji — Chef's Method
Ingredients (serves 3–4):
- 500g lauki (bottle gourd), peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- Salt to taste, fresh coriander for garnish
- 1 tbsp oil
Method:
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottom pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Add tomato puree and cook for 4–5 minutes until oil separates.
- Add all dry spices — turmeric, coriander powder, and chilli powder. Mix well.
- Add the lauki cubes, season with salt, and mix to coat with the masala.
- Cover and cook on low-medium heat for 12–15 minutes. The lauki releases its own water — no extra water needed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with roti or dal rice.
Chef Hassan's Pro Tip for Lauki Sabji:
Never add water to lauki sabzi early. Lauki is 92% water — it will release moisture on its own within 3–4 minutes of covering the pan. Adding water too soon makes the curry watery and dilutes your masala flavour. Trust the vegetable. Cover it and let it cook in its own steam.
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.
6. What is lauki ka kofta?
Lauki ka kofta is a popular North Indian dish where grated bottle gourd is mixed with besan (chickpea flour) and spices, shaped into balls, deep-fried, and cooked in a rich tomato-onion gravy. In professional kitchens, we also shallow-fry or bake the koftas to make them a lighter, healthier option. It is a great way to get fussy eaters — especially children — to enjoy lauki.
7. What is lauki ka tel used for?
Lauki ka tel (bottle gourd oil) is cold-pressed oil extracted from the seeds of a fully matured, dried lauki. It is primarily used for hair care — massaging it on the scalp is believed to reduce hair fall, control premature greying, and cool the scalp. It is not a cooking oil and should not be confused with lauki juice.
8. What is lauki in Tamil?
Lauki is called Suraikkai (சுரைக்காய்) in Tamil. It is widely used in Tamil Nadu cooking, especially in kootu (a lentil and vegetable preparation) and sambar.
While Lauki is a staple in every Indian home, many people are now exploring gourmet vegetables likeAsparagus (Shatavari);for their continental cooking.
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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!