Turiya (Ridge Gourd)

Turiya, or ridge gourd, is a classic Indian summer vegetable — tender, mild, and deeply nostalgic. Known for its ridged green fruits with soft, sponge-like flesh, it’s a kitchen favorite for curries, stir-fries, and dals across India. The flavor is subtle and slightly sweet when harvested young, making it ideal for light, homely dishes like Turai ki sabzi, Beerakai pappu, and Peerkangai chutney.

These vigorous vines love warm weather and abundant sun. They grow quickly, producing high yields of 8–12 inch fruits over a long season. In California’s climate, Turiya thrives from late spring through early fall — similar to bottle gourd and bitter gourd.

The plants also produce striking yellow blossoms that attract pollinators, making them beautiful as well as useful in the kitchen garden.