Drying and storage of Kothimbda (Cucumis callosus)

Cucumis callosus (Rottl.) Cogn (Cucurbitaceae) is very common throughout the India and commonly known as “Kothimbda ” in Gujarat. The mature fruits of Cucumis callosus (rottl.) Cogn (Kothimbda ), a drought tolerant cucurbitaceous vegetable found growing abundantly during rainy season in the arid and semiarid regions of North-Western India, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, are usually cooked with various vegetable preparations. It is an ideal summer vegetable crop chiefly grown for its edible tender fruits, preferred as salad ingredient, pickles, Desert fruit and as a cooked vegetable.