Ivy gourd. A small crunchy gourd reminiscent of a gherkin, green ripening to red, popular in the cuisines of India, Thailand, Indonesia and other South East Asian countries. The shoots and leaves can also be eaten.
Sponge gourd. Smooth gourd. When it is old it becomes coarse and fibrous and is actually the loofah you use in the bath. However, it is eaten throughout Asia. It resembles a cucumber when it is young and needs to be salted to reduce the bitterness before use.
Taro. Colocasia. A plant grown both for its leaves and tuberous, potato-like roots, or corms. The roots, the flesh of which may vary from white to pink, have a delicate flavour and can be peeled and boiled, roasted, mashed, fried or included in a stew.e flesh of which may vary from white to pink, have a delicate flavour and can be peeled and boiled, roasted, mashed, fried or included in a stew.
Sponge gourd. Smooth gourd. When it is old it becomes coarse and fibrous and is actually the loofah you use in the bath. However, it is eaten throughout Asia. It resembles a cucumber when it is young and needs to be salted to reduce the bitterness before use.
