You must have heard of Chappan Kaddu or what we also know as summer squash. While there are various types of summer squash or summer squash varieties, Chappan Kaddu is round, small and a vegetable with a neutral flavor within the family known as Cucurbitaceous. It is majorly grown throughout India and other parts of the sub-continent and cultivated for its tender fruits. These are usually available in varying sizes and shapes for cooking as vegetables. This is a summer crop that is grown for shorter durations and in diverse types of soil. Yet, loamy or properly draining sandy soil is ideal for the growth of this vegetable. One must also know how to take care of seedlings so one can have the best from the precious seeds.
The plant has a bushy texture with smaller internodes and 60-70 days of harvesting are needed for fruits at the tender-stage. The diverse varieties of Chappan cultivar have unique colours and sizes. They often have longitudinal stripes in white, pale-green to dark-green hues and more. There is a flared attachment known as stalk peduncle. You will find a smooth surface and the flesh does not have any cavity, while being white in colour. The summer squash seeds stay integrated within the flesh of the vegetable. The average weight of the fruit is roughly 50-80 grams and when they start maturing, they become unsuitable for personal consumption. It’s easy to grow microgreens at home and one can grow exotic vegetables also at home .
Chappan Kaddu Health Benefits & Nutritional Facts
- The vegetable is low in calories, having a meager 17 calories for every 100 grams. This is almost similar to Zucchini.
- Chappan Kaddu is a great source of fiber, enabling smoother bowel movements along with safeguarding against future colon cancer, doing away with harmful elements that infiltrate the gut.
- It has a lot of minerals, vitamins, and fiber, which enable enhanced wellness and health alike.
- The vegetable is completely free from gluten and this is a major plus point.
- Vitamin C is contained in sizable amounts and automatically boosts body immunity along with synthesis of collagen in the bones, blood vessels, and cartilage, and also helps in iron absorption.
- It also ensures moderate folates which are vital elements for DNA synthesis and division of cells.
- While containing lower sodium, it has higher potassium, a vital electrolyte in itself. It is friendly for the heart while helping reduce overall heart rate and blood pressure alike.
- Chappan Kaddu also contains smaller volumes of vitamins such as riboflavin and thiamin along with iron, calcium, phosphorus, manganese and other minerals.
- It is used throughout traditional Ayurvedic medicinal systems for neutralizing and cooling stomach acids. It helps in the treatment of digestive problems along with dyspepsia, hyperacidity, and ulcers. It also helps with the treatment of diabetes. There are many other herbs and vegetables also that will help you build a healthy immune system.
Complete Guide to Growing & Harvesting Chappan Kaddu Seeds
Growing summer squash seeds and suitably caring for them is something that you can learn easily. Here are some core points worth noting in this regard:
- Summer squash is more suited to the summer season although it can tolerate lower temperatures. However, the range of temperature should be 24-27°C in usual cases.
- It can be grown on virtually any soil type, although loam or sandy loam is the ideal category. Summer squash should be kept away from alkaline and acidic soils with higher salt content. The pH factor should be 6-7.5 for better cultivation.
- It is usually sown between February and March although it may be sown from October till January in areas without snow and frost. The optimum time is between April and May. The crop may be grown around the year in the Southern States of India as well.
- You will require 6-7 kilograms of seeds for sowing (per hectare). Priming is always recommended before the sowing procedure, particularly for boosting growth and germination alike.
- Usage of mulch is recommended if the weather conditions are on the chillier side.
- The fruits develop quickly post pollination and harvesting should be done in a timely manner. The crop should be harvested within 50-80 days after sowing, depending on factors like the fertility and variety of soil along with the prevailing weather conditions.
- It will take 6-8 days to pick the fruits before they turn harder, bigger, and seedier.
- The fruits should be harvested when they are tender and have a glossy appearance. The quality goes down with the change in colour.
- Keep the peduncle intact while harvesting and eventually use a proper knife for cutting it out from the vine.
- Remember that the summer squash may get bruised due to its delicate texture.
- Store the vegetable properly in your refrigerator and use it within a day or two at the most. Avoid storing for long periods.
- Downy mildew is a major issue that should be combated by cultivators. You can do this with proper air circulation and keeping the leaves suitably dry. You can also clean up the vegetable beds and rotate plants while removing infected ones quickly.
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FAQs
Q1: What is Chappan Kaddu known as in English?
Ans: Chappan Kaddu is known as Summer Squash in English.
Q2: What is the name of Tinda in Marathi?
Ans: The Marathi name for Tinda is Dhemase.
Q3: Till what height can a summer squash plant grow?
Ans: Summer squash plants may grow till anywhere between one and three feet on average.
Q4: What is the scientific name of Chappan Kaddu?
Ans: The scientific name of Chappan Kaddu is Cucumis Pepo. It may be called by other names as well since there are multiple varieties of summer squash available.