Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Economic importance

• Fruits are good for people suffering from constipation, jaundice and indigestion. It is rich in vitamin B and C as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, iron and potassium. Fruits contain 0.4% protein, 2.5% CHOs, 1.5mg iron and 2 mg of vitamin C per 100g fresh weight. Immature fruits of cucumber and gherkin are used as salad and for pickling. Tender leaves are also used as a vegetable.
• In temperate countries it is extensively grown in glasshouse. The fruits & seed possess cooling properties. The fruit is also used as an astringent and antipyretic. The seed oil is also used as antipyretic. Cucumber is characterized by the presence of bitter principle called cucurbitacins, which are tetra cyclic triterpenes.