Fluted Pumpkins

Fluted Pumpkins popularly known as Ugwu (Ugwu leaves) is a vine plant that is essentially consumed by a great number of the populace of Nigeria, and is commonly found in the West Africa region.

It is used to prepare some very nice Nigerian soups, such as egusi, ogbono, edi kain kong, etc.

Common names for the plant include fluted gourd, fluted pumpkin, ugu (in the Igbo language), and ikong-ubong (in the Efik and Ibibio languages). 

The fluted pumpkin botanically known as Telfaira occidentalis has the advantage of being enjoyed through out the year unlike some other vegetables. However, you see the leaves flood the market more during rainy season.

The dark green leaf, no doubt has been a staple vegetable in the diets of many as it can be combined with all the solid meals such as wheat, eba, fufu and the rest. 

Unknown to many, pumpkin leaves are loaded with a lot of nutritional benefits which can be helpful in aligning our path to a healthy status. The seeds produced by the gourd are high in protein and fat, and can, therefore, contribute to a well-balanced diet.

Ugwu has a high fiber content, rich in iron and good for weight management. It is also an iMMUNE BOOSTER. To add to, it helps in  REDUCTION OF BLOOD SUGAR  for diabetes control.