Bottle Gourd (Jati Lao - জাতি লাও)

Bottle gourd, scientifically known as Lagenaria siceraria, is a vine plant belonging to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. The name "bottle gourd" comes from the characteristic bottle-like shape of its mature fruit.
The fruit of the bottle gourd varies in size and shape, ranging from small and elongated to large and round. It typically has a smooth, light green skin and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh of the fruit is white, tender, and watery, with numerous small seeds embedded in the pulp.
Bottle gourd is consumed as a vegetable and is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world, particularly in Asian, African, and Mediterranean cooking. It can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, steaming, sautéing, and frying. Bottle gourd is used in soups, stews, curries, stir-fries, and as a filling for savory dishes.
In addition to its culinary uses, bottle gourd has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is believed to have various health benefits, including promoting digestion, hydration, and weight loss. The juice of bottle gourd is often consumed as a refreshing beverage and is considered cooling and detoxifying in some traditional medicine systems.
Bottle gourd is also valued for its versatility beyond the kitchen. The dried, hollowed-out gourds are used as containers, utensils, musical instruments, and decorative items in many cultures.