A study was conducted to document the utility of antioxidant rich ash gourd and its products in Dharwad, Karnataka. The rural and urban households as well as Ayurvedic health centres were surveyed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Majority of the respondents belonged to the age group of 30–40 years with more literates in urban households. Religion influenced the utility of the antioxidant rich ash gourd. About 50 per cent of urban respondents and 53.33 per cent of rural folk utilized the fruit for the preparation of Sandige alone. A dehydrated product Sandige was the single product available in the retail outlets of Dharwad city which was packed and procured from the local cottage industries and self-help groups. Ash gourd in the form of juice (50–100 ml) was suggested twice in a day in the Ayurvedic healthcare centres during obesity, nausea, acidity and epilepsy. Thus high costs, lack of awareness and ideological aspects keep the fruit away from regular consumption and this adversely affects vegetable business.
Ash gourd, utility, healthcare centres
