Azhur

Momordica 'Ajur' is an annual, strongly branching vine from the gourd family, native to Asia. The plant grows quickly and requires vertical support; after flowering, fruits form and ripen within 50–55 days from germination. The fruits have a spindle shape, measuring 20–30 cm in length and weighing 200–300 g; they are light green when unripe and turn yellow-orange upon ripening. Yields reach 3.5–4.0 kg/m².

Each fruit contains up to 100 mg of vitamin C, B vitamins (including B1 and B2), as well as phosphoric acid salts and calcium. Unripe fruits possess a slightly bitter, piquant flesh and are used fresh, fried, salted, or canned. Fruits can be stored for 2–3 weeks at room temperature.

Momordica is known for its healing properties: fruits are used as an immune system booster, for cleansing blood vessels and lowering cholesterol levels; seeds are applied for ulcers and possess diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. Leaves are sometimes applied to snake bite wounds. Due to the bright coloration of the fruits and the decorative appearance of the plant, 'Ajur' is often grown as a landscape plant in open ground and is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases.