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Home » Juicing

28th June 2021 by Jamie Raftery 13 Comments

Ash Gourd Juice / Winter Melon Juice

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Traditional Ash Gourd juice recipe with lemon, black salt, pepper, and mint. It's naturally detoxifying, immune-boosting, and helps strengthen mental clarity.

ash-gourd-juice-winter-melon-juice-served-in-a-glass
Ash Gourd - One of nature's many superfoods

Recipe Index

Jump to:
  • An Introduction to Ash Gourd Juice
  • What is Ash Gourd?
  • Ash Gourd in Asian cuisine
  • Selecting fruits
  • Nutritional content
  • Ash Gourd nutrition
  • Cultivating gourds
  • Ash Gourd in Ayurveda
  • How to make Ash Gourd juice
  • Equipment you will need
  • Ingredients you will need
  • Step-by-step tutorial: Cold press juicer method
  • More healthy recipes to try
  • FAQ
  • Ash gourd juice recipe: Simple & nourishing
  • 📋 Recipe
  • Recipe Variations

An Introduction to Ash Gourd Juice

My first real introduction to ash gourd juice came from Sadhguru, who often speaks about its traditional uses and benefits in yogic practices. I was pleasantly surprised to find that ash gourd grows abundantly here in Phuket - it's widely available in local markets all year round, and very affordable.

After experimenting with different recipe variations, I began including ash gourd juice in my morning routine. Over time, I noticed subtle but meaningful shifts in how I felt. As an Irish chef living in tropical Thailand, I welcome any natural way to help regulate my body temperature and support digestion.

In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about ash gourd and its culinary and cultural significance. You’ll also find a simple ash gourd juice recipe that’s easy to prepare at home - the biggest challenge might just be sourcing a gourd if you're outside of Asia!

preparing-wax-gourd-for-juicing

What is Ash Gourd?

Ash Gourd or Winter Melon is a fruit native to Asian countries and warm parts of Australia. It comes in all shapes, sizes, and varieties.

The fruit is considered to be very auspicious and is used in making temple prasad (food offered to the gods). Many people in South India hang it in front of their houses as it is known to give positive vibrations and clear negative energy.

It is used widely in Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines - in curries, stir-fries, soups, desserts, and drinks. The fruit contains many health benefits and has been widely used in Indian and Chinese medicinal systems for centuries.

Ash Gourd is a vine, and the fruit resembles a watermelon or a big cucumber. The mild taste is similar to cucumber. The mature fruit has a waxy covering, hence the name Wax Gourd, or it is covered in grey ash - Ash Gourd. This natural wax preserves the fruits after harvest for several months.

ash-gourds-after-harvesting

Ash Gourd in Asian cuisine

Also known as Winter melon, green squash, white pumpkin, Chinese melon, or in Hindu it's called Safed Petha.

In Indian cuisine, Ash Gourd is widely used in making various kootu, curries, dal, dry subzi, and adding yogurt to make raita.

The popular North Indian dessert or sweet candy, Petha from the famous Agra city, is made with it. In Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine, green squash is widely available all year round and appears in many local soups and curries.

petha-Indian-dessert-using-ash-gourd

Selecting fruits

When selecting an Ash Gourd, choose a gourd with no bruises. The fruit should feel heavy for its size. It's approximately the same size and shape as a watermelon, with a characteristic white, ash-coated surface.

wax-gourd-after-harvesting-covered-in-natural-wax

This powder is harmless to eat, but it becomes sticky when it is wet. It should be washed from the surface before cutting the fruit open. The interior should be white with a crisp texture. Uncut, an ash gourd will keep for up to 2 months in a cool, dry storage area.

ash-gourd-cut-open

Nutritional content

Ash gourd has become increasingly popular in wellness circles due to its naturally cooling properties and high water content.

While it has long been used in traditional culinary and medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, here are some of the ways it's commonly appreciated in holistic health:

  • Naturally hydrating and cooling for the body
  • May support healthy digestion and detox when included in a balanced diet
  • Traditionally used to help regulate metabolism and body temperature
  • Valued in some systems for its calming and antacid-like properties
  • Often included in wellness routines to support respiratory function and circulation

Its mild flavor and nutrient density make it an easy addition to juices, soups, and stir-fries.

a-glass-of-fresh-wax-gourd-juice-for-detox

Ash Gourd nutrition

Many people enjoy ash gourd juice as part of their wellness routine, especially in tropical climates where hydration and cooling foods are essential.

Nutritionally, ash gourd offers:

  • Low calories and high fiber, which may help support satiety and mindful weight management
  • Natural potassium content contributes to hydration balance and electrolyte support
  • B vitamins, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), which plays a role in energy metabolism and thyroid function
  • Vitamin C and flavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties and immune-supporting roles
  • Alkaline-forming nature, which makes it a popular choice for those managing acidic foods or occasional heartburn

Its high water content and zero cholesterol profile also make it a heart-friendly food choice. In traditional wellness practices like Ayurveda, ash gourd is sometimes described as having a “cooling” energy, used to calm the system and support digestive ease.

Some also explore external uses of ash gourd pulp for hair and skin, though I haven’t yet gone as far as applying it to my receding hairline… but never say never!

Cultivating gourds

More information here on the different varieties and how to grow them.

Winter-gourd-growing

Ash Gourd in Ayurveda

For more reading on the health benefits of ash gourd, you may visit this resource.

Incorporating ash gourd or winter melon into your lifestyle is an effective way to beat the heat, enjoy a powerful energy boost, and add tasty variety to salads, juices, snacks, and even sweets. 

Wak-Gourd-Juice-Finished-Product

How to make Ash Gourd juice

Ash gourd has a very mild, neutral taste, similar to cucumber, which can make the juice seem quite plain on its own. To enhance the flavor, we recommend adding lemon juice, black salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a few mint leaves.

Preparation Tips:

  • You can make this juice using either a cold-pressed juicer (for maximum nutrient retention) or a high-speed blender.
  • If the ash gourd contains large, mature seeds, discard them before juicing. Soft, thin seeds can be blended or juiced without issue.
  • If using a blender, be sure to strain the juice before serving for a smoother texture.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Season with lemon, black salt (or pink Himalayan salt), and pepper to taste.
  • Enjoy it chilled, preferably freshly made in the morning, garnished with a sprig of mint and a wedge of lemon.

For best results, make only what you’ll consume on the same day - this helps preserve freshness and nutritional quality.

adding-ash-gourd-to-cold-pressed-juicer

Equipment you will need

You can use either a blender or a cold-pressed juicer to make this recipe. In the recipe card, I provide details of how to make both. In this step-by-step tutorial, I use the cold-pressed juicer method, which is my preferred way.

Ash-Gourd-Juice-Ingredients-with-text

Ingredients you will need

  • Ash Gourd
  • Lemon
  • Black salt
  • Black pepper
  • Mint

Step-by-step tutorial: Cold press juicer method

Ash-Gourd-Juice-Step-by-step-1-Wash-the-ash-gourd-thoroughly
Wash the ash gourd thoroughly.
Ash-Gourd-Juice-Step-by-step-2-Peel-off-the-outer-skin
Peel off the outer skin.
Step-by-step-3-remove-any-large-seeds-if-needed
If it is a mature gourd, remove any large seeds; if it is a young gourd, you may leave the seeds in.
Ash-Gourd-Step-by-step-3-Diced-into-big-chunk
Dice the ash gourd into pieces small enough to fit into your cold-pressed juicer.
Ash-Gourd-Juice-Step-by-step-4-Peel-the-yellow-skin-off-the-lemon-cut
Peel the yellow skin off the lemon. Cut the lemon into pieces.
Step-by-step-5-Juice-the-ash-gourd-lemon-and-mint-leaves
Juice the ash gourd, lemon, and mint leaves in a cold-press juicer.
step-by-step-6-Season-with-black-salt-freshly-ground-black-pepper
Season the extracted juice to taste with black salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Ash-Gourd-Juice-Step-by-step-7-1-Stir-to-combine
Whisk to combine seasonings.

More healthy recipes to try

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  • Black Sesame Milk
  • Chia Seed Pudding With Mango
  • Ginger Immune Booster
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  • Beet It Juice
  • 3-Day Juice Cleanse Plan
  • Turmeric Jamu
  • Asian Pear & Sesame Milk Bircher
  • Quinoa tabbouleh

FAQ

How long will the juice last?

It is best to juice and consume as quickly as possible. I advise a 1-day maximum shelf life.

Can I juice the seeds?

If the seeds are small from a younger gourd, yes, you may juice or blend (make sure to strain). If it's a larger old gourd, you can cut away and discard the seeds before juicing.

When is the best time to drink?

From the reading I've done, I believe it's best to drink in the morning, soon after waking up, to help flush out toxins and energize yourself for the day ahead.

Why does my Ash Gourd juice taste like boiled eggs?

Black salt's flavor is very similar to boiled eggs! You may reduce the amount of black salt added or replace it with pink salt.

juicing-wax-gourds-in-a-cold-pressed-juicer

Ash gourd juice recipe: Simple & nourishing

We hope this guide inspires you to explore ash gourd juice in your kitchen. It’s always a pleasure to share simple, nourishing recipes that support a more mindful and balanced lifestyle.

If you try this recipe or have your variation to share, we’d love to hear from you. Tag your creations on social media with #holisticchefacademy and join our growing community of wellness-focused food lovers.

📋 Recipe

ash-gourd-juice-winter-melon-juice-served-in-a-glass
Jamie Raftery

Ash Gourd Juice (Winter Melon Juice)

4.09 from 12 votes
Traditional Indian Ayurvedic recipe; great for boosting immunity, improving digestion and enhancing mental clarity.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to CollectionGo to Collections
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Servings: 2 150 ml portions
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Ayurveda, Chinese, Macrobiotic
Calories: 22
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients
 
 

  • 400 g Ash gourd wax gourd / winter melon
  • ½ each Lemon yellow skin removed
  • 1 pinch Black salt
  • 1 pinch Black pepper - ground
  • 4 sprigs Mint optional

Equipment

  • Chopping board
  • Chefs knife
  • Slow Juicer
  • Strainer
  • Jug
  • Serving glasses

Method
 

Prepare the Ash Gourd
  1. Wash the ash gourd thoroughly.
  2. Peel off the outer skin.
  3. If it is a mature gourd, remove any large seeds. If it is a young gourd, you may leave the seeds in.
  4. Dice the ash gourd into pieces small enough to fit into your cold-pressed juicer.
Prepare the Lemon
  1. Peel the yellow skin off the lemon.
  2. Cut the lemon into pieces.
Cold Press Juicer Method (Best Results)
  1. Juice the ash gourd, lemon, and mint leaves in a cold press juicer for optimal flavor and nutrient retention.
  2. Season the extracted juice to taste with black salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Whisk to combine seasonings.
  4. Serve in 2 glasses. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon, and enjoy chilled if you prefer.
Blender Method
  1. Cut the ash gourd into small, manageable pieces.
  2. Combine the ash gourd, lemon, and mint leaves in a blender with about 100 ml of water.
  3. Blend for around 20 seconds.
  4. Strain the blended liquid into a jug.
  5. Season to taste with black salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Serve by pouring into 2 glasses. Alternatively, you can chill the juice in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 150mlCalories: 22kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 20mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 85IUVitamin B1: 1mgVitamin B2: 1mgVitamin B3: 1mgVitamin B5: 1mgVitamin B6: 1mgVitamin C: 3mgVitamin K: 1µgCalcium: 65mgCopper: 1mgFolate: 2µgIron: 2mgManganese: 1mgMagnesium: 2mgPhosphorus: 42mgZinc: 1mg

Video

Notes

Recipe Variations

 
Ash Gourd and Watermelon Smoothie
  • Combine equal parts fresh ash gourd and watermelon in a blender.
  • Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, adding a little at a time to reach your desired taste.
  • Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
Lime and Ash Gourd Cooler
  • Juice 2–3 cups of ash gourd in a cold press juicer (or use a blender, then strain).
  • Add freshly squeezed lime juice and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
  • Blend in a sprig of mint or cilantro if you’d like a refreshing herbal twist.
  • Serve chilled for a light, revitalizing drink.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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Comments

  1. Mily says

    June 29, 2021 at 12:15 am

    5 stars
    A firecracker !

    Reply
    • Jamie Raftery says

      July 03, 2021 at 11:02 am

      Thank you Emily, it's a refreshing one! Let me know if you make it 🙂

      Reply
  2. Marija says

    August 28, 2021 at 3:32 pm

    What is sumilar to ash gourd to consume here in europe? Thnx answerring back

    Reply
    • Jamie Raftery says

      August 28, 2021 at 9:31 pm

      Hi Marija, I would recommend cucumber as a similar cooling fruit. You can try adding some celery also. Gourds may be available in good Asian food stores, keep an eye out for them 🙂

      Reply
  3. BREDA says

    January 02, 2022 at 5:40 pm

    Delicious, great benefits to know more about Ash Gourd. Yours information is very well explained in every aspect. Next on my shopping list.

    Reply
    • Jamie Raftery says

      January 02, 2022 at 10:12 pm

      Thank you, Breda. I hope you enjoy making it. You can use cucumber as a replacement if you cannot get ash gourds in your region

      Reply
  4. Latha says

    April 20, 2022 at 6:16 pm

    You have made bottle gourd( pics) juice but spoke about ash gourd

    Reply
    • Jamie Raftery says

      April 23, 2022 at 4:19 pm

      Dear Latha, thank you for pointing this out. It's great to learn more about Gourds and all their different varieties.

      Reply
  5. Karen Gilmore says

    November 26, 2022 at 5:23 am

    I live in the United States, I can't find Ash Gourd. Can you send me some or juices?

    Reply
    • Jamie Raftery says

      November 27, 2022 at 4:44 pm

      Hi Karen. This is an Asian vegetable. You may be able to find it in a good Asian food store in the USA. We do not export any cold-pressed juices out of Thailand. You will have to come and visit sometime!

      Reply
  6. Nadeem Ahmed says

    June 05, 2023 at 2:01 am

    I can't find any single place in the USA where I can purchase Ash Gourd. Can you guys help?

    Reply
    • Jamie Raftery says

      June 12, 2023 at 10:12 pm

      Hi Nadeem. Unfortunately, I do not know where you can buy this in USA. All I can recommend is to explore the Asian food markets. Good luck!

      Reply
  7. Shri Chyawan Ayurved says

    August 28, 2024 at 5:59 pm

    Excellent blog on Ash Gourd Juice! Your post provides a fantastic overview of the benefits and uses of this nutritious winter melon juice. I loved how you explained its health advantages and offered practical tips on how to incorporate it into a daily routine. The clear and engaging writing makes it easy to understand why Ash Gourd Juice is such a great addition to a healthy diet. Thank you for sharing such valuable and insightful information! Kamini Vidrawan Ras

    Reply
4.09 from 12 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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Hi, we’re Thara & Jamie

We’re a Thai’rish chef duo based between our jungle kitchen studio in Phuket, Thailand, and a new culinary studio and permaculture farm we’re developing in Galway, Ireland.

Together, we run the Holistic Chef Academy - a space for exploring healthy, wholesome, plant-based cuisine.

With our roots in Michelin-star kitchens and a shared passion for food as medicine - we create recipes, courses, and experiences that aim to educate, inspire, and empower.

Read more

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