Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Safety Inspection

Bottle gourds are high-risk vegetables often treated with growth hormones like Oxytocin or dyed with Malachite Green. 1. The Injection Mark: Inspect the area near the stem carefully for any tiny pin-prick holes or dark needle marks. These are signs of Oxytocin injections used to make the fruit grow overnight. 2. The Bitter Taste (CRITICAL): Always taste a tiny raw slice before cooking. If it's bitter, DISCARD IMMEDIATELY. Bitter bottle gourd contains Cucurbitacin, a toxin that can cause severe, sometimes fatal, stomach bleeding. 3. The Cotton Rub Test: Rub a wet cotton ball on the skin. If it turns green, it's Malachite Green dye used to mask old or pale gourds. 4. The Internal Texture: Cut the gourd. A naturally grown one is firm and succulent. If the center feels "spongy" or "puffy" while the exterior is large, it indicates forced growth via chemicals.