Never Miss on These 10 Summer Season Vegetables in Pakistan

1. Okra/ Ladyfinger (Urdu Name: Bhindi – بھنڈی)

Okra is a flowering plant that grows in tropical and warm climates, including Asia (Pakistan) and South Asia. It is also known as a lady’s finger. It is available in two colors, i.e., red and green. Both of the varieties taste the same.

The sowing time of Bhindi in Pakistan is Feb – March, June- July.

Read More: 13 Health Benefits Of Okras You Should Know!

Okra Benefits:

One of the major benefits of okra is it it promotes digestive health and also boosts immunity. It adds a delightful crunch to the meal. It is full of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

Pro Tip: Cooking okra on high flame and fast makes its outer skin crispy and tender from the center. 

2. Bitter Gourd (Urdu Name: Karela – کریلہ)

Bitter Gourd is also known as Bitter Melon or Momordica Charantia. It is a tropical vine of the gourd family and is cultivated around the world. It has a sharp flavor and a unique appearance with rough and jagged spikes on the rind. It has a range of health benefits.

The sowing time of Bitter Gourd in Pakistan is Feb – March, June – July.

Read More: Karela Juice Benefits For Weight Loss

Bitter Gourd Benefits:

Bitter Melon is packed with iron, magnesium, and Vitamins B1, B2, and B3. Moreover, it is beneficial for blood sugar regulation, improving skin health, decreasing cholesterol levels, preventing cancer, etc.

Pro Tip: To lessen the bitterness of bitter gourd, you can salt the chopped vegetable before cooking. 

3. Ridge Gourd (Urdu Name: Torai – توری)

Ridge Gourd also known as torai is a popular summer vegetable in Pakistan. It has two variants, one with a ridged surface and the other with a smooth surface.

Ridge Gourd Benefits:

Ridge Gourd is full of dietary fibers, iron, magnesium, vitamins A & C, and Vitamin B6. It has low-calorie content, cholesterol, and unhealthy saturated fats. Moreover, it is packed with alkaloid compounds and antioxidants that can regulate metabolism and also remove toxins from the body.

Pro Tip: Avoid cooking Ridge Gourd for too long and using too much water to preserve the water-soluble vitamins. 

4. Bottle Gourd (Urdu Name: Lauki – لوکی)

Bottle Gourd is also known as Calabash. It has been traditionally used to treat many health conditions, including fever, pain, cough, asthma, etc. It has a bottle, dumbbell, or oval shape.

Read More: 10 Loki Vegetable (Bottle Gourd) Benefits and Side Effects

Bottle Gourd Benefits:

Lauki is an excellent source of vitamins B, and C, and many other nutrients. It has high water content and cooling properties which help in regulating body temperature and also replenish electrolytes.

Furthermore, it can improve digestion and prevent constipation.

Fun Fact: The bottle gourd seeds contain phytochemicals that are effective against bacteria as well as fungi.

5. Brinjal (Urdu Name: Baingan – بیگن)

Brinjal is also known as an eggplant and is a great source of dietary fiber. It is generally available in purple color in Pakistan. However, around the world, it is available in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

The sowing time of Brinjal in Pakistan is Feb-March, June, and November.

بینگن کےحیران کردینے والے فوائدکس بیماری میں مفیدہیں؟

Brinjal Benefits:

Eggplant helps in promoting digestion and preventing constipation. Moreover, it has phytonutrients that have anti-cancer properties.

Additionally, it is a low-sodium vegetable that is suitable for people with high blood pressure or kidney problems.

Fun Fact: You will be surprised to know that eggplant is a fruit and more precisely a berry. It is often misinterpreted as a vegetable. 

6. Sponge Gourd (Urdu Name: Ghiya Turai – گھیا توری)

Sponge Gourd also known as Ghiya Turai is one of the healthiest summer season vegetables in Pakistan. It has a sponge-like interior that absorbs flavors during cooking.

The sowing time of Sponge Gourd in Pakistan is Feb-April and June-July.

Sponge Gourd Benefits:

Ghiya Turai is rich in antioxidants and nutrients like zinc and Vitamin C. It helps in improving digestion and enhancing immunity.

Moreover, it is believed to be a blood purifier as it flushes pollutants from the blood. It is also great for the digestion and overall skin health.

Fun Fact: It is very easy to cook and only takes a few minutes to cook. 

7. Cluster Beans (Urdu Name: Gawar Phali – گوار پھلی)

Cluster beans are annual legumes. It is packed in slender pods and has a unique taste. It is full of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. These are nutrient-dense beans that support overall health.

Read More: 12 Lesser-Known Gawar Phalli Benefits

Cluster Beans Benefits:

Cluster beans are full of dietary fiber which keeps the stomach full for a longer period. It also lessens the risk of diabetes and obesity. Hence, you can take cluster beans to manage your weight.

Pro Tip: It has a mild bitter flavor. To reduce the bitterness, you should boil them in water and then drain the water. The bitterness goes away with the water. 

8. Round Gourd (Urdu Name: Tinday –  ٹنڈے)

Round Gourd is a small round and green summer season vegetable in Pakistan. It can be consumed as salan, pickled, or candied. Some people roast the seeds of the Tinday and enjoy them.

The sowing season of Round Gourd in Pakistan is March –April, and June- July.

Round Gourd Benefits:

Round Gourd (tinda) has vitamins and carotene. It can boost the overall immunity of a person. Moreover, it has antioxidant properties that can provide protection to the body. It has less fibrous pulp which is why it can be easily digested.

Fun Fact: Round Gourd can be consumed in various ways, including fried, steamed, baked, boiled, or roasted forms. 

9. Tomato (Urdu Name: Tamatar – ٹماٹر)

Tomatoes are summer annual vegetables in Pakistan. It can be grown in pot easily. Tomato plants are delicate, so you have to protect them from high winds. They come in various types, including grape, cherry, and Roma tomatoes. Moreover, it has different colors like red, green, and yellow.

Tomato Benefits:

Pro Tip: You will be surprised to know that botanically Tomato is a fruit. 

10. Cucumber (Urdu Name: Kheera – کھیرا)

Cucumber is one of the healthiest summer season fruits in Pakistan. It is full of water and other nutrients. Cucumber belongs to the same family as pumpkin, squash, and watermelon, i.e. the Cucurbitaceae family.

The sowing time of cucumber in Pakistan is Feb – July.

Read More: Cucumber Water Benefits: How to Prepare It Quickly? 

Cucumber Benefits:

Cucumber has a rich water content which helps in lowering blood sugar levels, preventing constipation, and also supporting weight loss. They are rich in antioxidants which can combat many chronic conditions.

Pro Tip: Cucumber is 96% water. So, next time you feel thirsty you can eat cucumber instead of drinking water.