‘Tis season for decorating with funky-shaped squashes and oddly patterned gourds.
(Content warning on link: swearing)
We are all on our plastic free “journey” and your thought might have turned to seasonal decorating. Gourds are great for that. No Plastic. Will compost. But have you ever looked at a Martha Stewart inspired display and thought: Can I eat this? Just me?
But unlike pumpkins, which can easily be turned into pie are these gourds straight off the pumpkin patch actually okay to eat? Sold at grocery and convenience stores across America, it seems odd that something so vegetable-like would be cultivated and harvested to be used only as decoration. Part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes squash, watermelons and cucumbers, gourds are not toxic to humans, though those sold for decoration may need a good wash before being consumed. I turned to the experts to see if these autumnal decorations can actually be converted into tasty seasonal delights.