Gourd

Gourd

　　　The gourd is an annual climbing herbaceous plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family and is a type of wax gourd. When cut into strips, it becomes edible and can also be used as a food binding rope, a filling for food, a fast-food ingredient — in Japan, it's even referred to as dried gourd strips. In addition, gourd strips are a versatile food item that can be used in making crispy rolls and festive rice dishes. In recent years, the export volume of gourd strips has been substantial.

　　Gourd strips are rich in numerous nutrients, such as iron, phosphorus, calcium, sugar, protein, gastric mucilage, and carotene, making them an indispensable vegetable in our daily diet. Gourd strips offer many health benefits: they help regulate cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, promote fitness and beauty, combat aging, protect the heart and liver, and enhance immunity.