Description
UGU Telfairia occidentalis otherwise called fluted pumpkin is one of the commonest, popular cut herbs grown mainly in southeastern Nigeria and belongs to the cucurbitaceace family. The crop, which originated from West Africa, is a perennial climber grown for its leaves and seeds, which are very nutritious. When cultivated, the fluted pumpkins develop tendrils that usually creep and spread on the surface of the ground. Characterised by broad lobed leaves, the fluted pumpkin leaves (Telfairia Occidentalis) is locally referred to as ugu leaves and culinarily used for cooking stews, soups, yam and vegetables, sauces and even for medicinal purposes.
Ugu Fluted Pumpkin leaves are rich in dietary properties like calcium, iron, potassium, and manganese. The leaves is a very rich source of fiber, minerals, vitamin A, B2, C2 and E, it is also packed with antioxidant properties to protect the body against disease.
