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Tinda Calories & Nutrition Calculator

Also known as: Round Gourd, Apple Gourd, Indian Squash, Praecitrullus fistulosus, Indian Baby Pumpkin, Dhemase, Tinda Gourd

Quick Answer — 1 medium tinda (75g) raw

16kcalCalories
1.1gProtein
2.7gCarbs
0.2gFat
1.2gFiber
By Manish KumarData verified: 2026-05-15

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21 kcal per 100g With 18mg Vitamin C (20% DV) — Tinda Delivers a Vitamin C Punch That Ash Gourd, Bottle Gourd, and Cucumber Cannot Match

Tinda has 18mg vitamin C per 100g — 20% of the daily value — while weighing in at just 21 kcal. This vitamin C density (0.86mg per calorie) surpasses many heavier vegetables: bottle gourd has 10.1mg, ash gourd has 13mg, cucumber has 2.8mg, and even tomato has only 13.7mg. Among ultra-low-calorie gourds (under 25 kcal/100g), tinda has the highest vitamin C concentration [1].

Two medium tinda (150g) provide 27mg vitamin C — 30% of the daily value — for just 32 kcal. Cooking reduces vitamin C by approximately 40% (to ~10.8mg per 100g cooked), so lightly cooked preparations retain more of this water-soluble, heat-sensitive nutrient.

For food journaling, tinda's vitamin C is its most distinctive micronutrient contribution. If tracking vitamin C intake, note the cooking method: quick stir-frying retains more vitamin C than prolonged simmering in gravy. A bharwan tinda (stuffed) recipe with brief cooking preserves more than a slow-cooked curry.

1.4g Protein per 100g — Double the Protein of Most Gourds, Placing Tinda in the Same Bracket as Pumpkin and Bitter Gourd

Tinda has 1.4g protein per 100g — significantly more than most gourd-family vegetables: bottle gourd (0.6g), ash gourd (0.4g), snake gourd (0.5g), and cucumber (0.65g). Only ridge gourd (1.2g) and bitter gourd (1.0g) come close among cucurbits. Tinda's protein density per calorie (0.067g per kcal) is among the highest in the gourd family [1][2].

Four medium tinda (300g) provide 4.2g protein for just 63 kcal — a protein-to-calorie efficiency comparable to many leafy greens. While this isn't a primary protein source, it's a meaningful contribution for a vegetable used primarily for its mild flavor and soft texture.

For nutrition journaling, tinda's protein content is worth noting if comparing gourds for meal planning. A tinda-based dish contributes more vegetable protein than an equivalent bottle gourd or ash gourd dish. Pair with dal or paneer for a complete protein profile.

1.6g Fiber per 100g — Higher Than Bottle Gourd (0.5g) and Ash Gourd (0.5g in USDA), Giving Tinda an Advantage in Digestive Bulk

Tinda provides 1.6g dietary fiber per 100g — three times the fiber of bottle gourd (0.5g) and more than double ash gourd (0.5–2.9g depending on source). While this is modest compared to French beans (2.7g) or bitter gourd (2.8g), it's notably high for a mild, soft-fleshed gourd that's 93% water [1].

The fiber comes primarily from the skin and seed areas. Peeling tinda removes approximately 30–40% of the total fiber. Four medium tinda (300g, unpeeled) provide 4.8g fiber — 17% of the daily value — for just 63 kcal. If peeled, fiber drops to approximately 3g for the same weight.

For food journaling, log whether tinda was peeled or unpeeled — the fiber difference is meaningful over multiple servings. In most Indian preparations (sabzi, bharwan), tinda is cooked with skin intact, preserving the full fiber content.

Bharwan Tinda, Punjabi Tinda Masala, and Shahi Tinda — How a 21-kcal Gourd Becomes a 100–350 kcal Dish Based on Stuffing and Sauce

Plain boiled tinda: ~19 kcal/100g. Punjabi tinda masala sabzi (with onion, tomato, oil): ~80–120 kcal per serving. Bharwan tinda (stuffed with masala): ~150–200 kcal per serving. Shahi tinda (with paneer, cashews, cream): ~250–350 kcal per serving. The tinda's own calorie contribution is always under 50 kcal per serving — the rest is entirely from the preparation [1].

Tinda's spherical shape makes it uniquely suited for stuffing — a cooking technique that dramatically changes the calorie profile. A medium stuffed tinda (75g gourd + 30g paneer-masala stuffing) has approximately 100–120 kcal — five times the plain gourd's 16 kcal. The mild, neutral flavor of tinda absorbs spices without competing.

For food journaling, the preparation method is the entire story with tinda. Track the oil, stuffing, and sauce precisely — the tinda itself is calorie-negligible. Even a generous 300g portion of plain boiled tinda has just 57 kcal.

0.9mg Iron per 100g (5% DV) — Tinda's Iron Content Exceeds Most Cucurbits, and a 300g Serving Reaches 15% of the Daily Value

Tinda has 0.9mg iron per 100g — 5% of the 18mg daily value. This is higher than most cucurbit vegetables: bottle gourd (0.2mg), cucumber (0.28mg), ash gourd (0.4mg), and ridge gourd (0.36mg). Per calorie, tinda's iron density (0.043mg/kcal) is comparable to spinach (0.12mg/kcal) and higher than broccoli (0.021mg/kcal) [1][2].

Four medium tinda (300g) provide 2.7mg iron — 15% of the daily value — for just 63 kcal. While plant-based (non-heme) iron has lower bioavailability than animal-sourced (heme) iron, pairing tinda with vitamin C–rich ingredients (tomatoes, lemon) supports absorption — and tinda already contains 18mg vitamin C per 100g.

For nutrition journaling, tinda is worth noting as an iron-contributing gourd vegetable. Its own vitamin C content creates a natural iron-absorption partnership that most other gourds lack. Log tinda alongside other iron sources in your daily tracking for cumulative intake.

Tinda vs. Other Indian Gourd Vegetables — per 100g Raw

NutrientTindaBottle GourdAsh GourdSnake GourdPumpkin
Calories (kcal)2114131826
Protein (g)1.40.60.40.51.0
Total Fat (g)0.20.00.20.30.1
Carbs (g)3.63.43.03.36.5
Fiber (g)1.60.52.90.80.5
Vitamin C (mg)18.010.113.011.09.0
Iron (mg)0.900.200.400.340.80
Calcium (mg)2526192621

Practical Tips for Tinda

  • 1

    Tinda has 18mg vitamin C per 100g (20% DV) — the highest among ultra-low-calorie gourds. Two medium tinda (150g) give you 30% of daily vitamin C for just 32 kcal. Quick cooking retains more vitamin C than slow simmering.

  • 2

    Don't peel tinda if fiber matters — the skin contains 30–40% of the total fiber. Unpeeled tinda has 1.6g fiber/100g; peeled drops to approximately 1.0g. Most Indian preparations cook tinda with skin intact.

  • 3

    Tinda has 0.9mg iron per 100g — more than most gourds. Its built-in vitamin C (18mg) supports iron absorption naturally. Add tomato or lemon for even better absorption.

  • 4

    Tinda's protein (1.4g/100g) is double that of bottle gourd and ash gourd. While not a protein food, four tinda contribute 4.2g protein — equivalent to a small glass of buttermilk.

  • 5

    A bharwan (stuffed) tinda can have 5–7x the calories of plain boiled tinda. Track the stuffing and oil precisely. The tinda itself at 21 kcal/100g is nearly calorie-free — the preparation defines the dish's nutritional profile.

Frequently Asked Questions — Tinda

How many calories are in tinda?
Raw tinda has approximately 21 calories per 100g and cooked tinda has approximately 19 calories per 100g. One medium tinda (75g) has about 16 calories. It is one of the lowest-calorie vegetables available, similar to pumpkin (26 kcal) and bottle gourd (14 kcal).
What is tinda called in English?
Tinda is called round gourd, apple gourd, or Indian squash in English. Its scientific name is Praecitrullus fistulosus. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family and is closely related to ash gourd and watermelon genetically.
Is tinda high in any vitamins or minerals?
Yes — tinda has 18mg vitamin C per 100g (20% of the daily value), which is the highest among ultra-low-calorie gourds. It also has 0.9mg iron per 100g (9% DV) — more than most cucurbit vegetables. The combination of vitamin C and iron is nutritionally advantageous since vitamin C supports iron absorption.
Should I peel tinda before cooking?
Most Indian recipes cook tinda with the skin intact, which is recommended nutritionally. The skin contains 30–40% of the total fiber (1.6g/100g unpeeled vs. ~1.0g peeled). Young, tender tinda have soft, edible skin. Only peel if the skin is tough (in overmature fruits).
How many calories are in bharwan tinda?
Plain boiled tinda has about 19 kcal per 100g. A medium bharwan (stuffed) tinda with masala and oil has approximately 100–120 kcal per piece. Shahi tinda with paneer, cashews, and cream can reach 150–200 kcal per piece. The tinda itself contributes only 16 kcal; the stuffing and oil account for the rest.

Important Notice

Nutritional values are based on Indian food composition data (IFCT 2017 / NIN, Gopalan et al.) for tinda (Praecitrullus fistulosus), raw. USDA FoodData Central does not have a dedicated tinda entry. Cooked values are estimated using standard nutrient retention factors for boiled and drained vegetables. Potassium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium values are estimated from similar cucurbit vegetables. This calculator is for informational and nutrition journaling purposes only — it is not a substitute for guidance from a qualified nutrition professional.

About the Author

Manish Kumar - Author
Manish KumarNASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

Certified fitness professional and nutrition researcher with over 10 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Founder of Food Nutrify, dedicated to making accurate, science-backed nutrition data accessible to everyone through free, easy-to-use calculators.

NASM Certified Personal TrainerSports Nutrition Specialist

References & Sources

  1. [1] Nutrition-and-You.com (citing USDA National Nutrient Database / Gopalan et al.) (2024). Tinda Gourd (Indian Squash) Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. Nutrition-and-You.com.
  2. [2] Indian Express Lifestyle (2023). Nutrition Alert: Tinda (Apple Gourd) Health Benefits. Indian Express.
  3. [3] National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), ICMR (2017). Indian Food Composition Tables (IFCT 2017). NIN, Hyderabad, India.
  4. [4] DAV Pharmacy / Poshan Vatika (2024). Tinde (Indian Round Gourd) — Nutritional and Phytochemical Profile. DAV Pharmacy.