This gourd is used as a vegetable all over India and in some parts of Southeast Asia, thus the many names. Usage is similar to Karala (Indian Bitter Melon), but, though Its flavor is similar to karala, it has only a faint hint of the bitterness. It is commonly fried with spices and often served with meats or fish. This gourd also has medicinal uses.

The photo specimens were of varying size, the largest being 1.6 inches long, 1.1 inch diameter and weighing 3/8 ounce. a batch of 16 averaged 0.25 ounces each. The specimen at the upper right is a bit ripe for cooking, but still edible. When fully ripe, the rinds get dry, and they split wide open to expose the seeds and the sweet, pulpy, bright red arils that surround them.