How Do You Dry Or Cure Gourds?
Gourds. For thousands of years, gourds have been grown and used by many cultures as useful tools and utensils. Today we mostly think of gourds as decorations and whimsical birdhouses or containers. Gourds are close relatives to pumpkins, squash and other vegetables in the Cucurbitaceae family, like cucumbers and melons. And they are just as easy to grow. There are 2 basic types of squash that are grown and used decoratively: • Cucurbita or soft-skinned gourds – These are the colorful orange, gold and green gourds that look like small squash and come in odd, fun shapes. Cucurbita gourds are usually used fresh as wonderful fall decorations. They are beautiful as is and can also be carved and used as luminaries, flower pots or dishes. They can also be dried and saved, but their bright colors will begin to fade in a few months. • Lagenaria or hard-skinned gourds – These larger, utilitarian gourds include the familiar Birdhouse, Bottle and Dipper gourds. Hard skinned gourds grow green on th
