Gourds Delivery or Pickup

Gourds are closely related to squash, cucumbers, zucchini, and melons. They're types of berries called pepos, and they were some of the first domesticated plants. They originated in Africa, and Native Americans brought many varieties with them when they journeyed to North America from Asia. They usually have tough, hard skins, and in addition to eating them, people often make them into cups, birdhouses, and containers. The Chinese tie molds around young gourds so that they take on the shape of the mold as they grow. They often become boxes and other containers. 

Many cultures in Africa, Asia, and Latin America make musical instruments from gourds, as well. They can be drums, flutes, or stringed instruments. Gourds are also popular decorative items in fall.

Many different varieties of gourds are available. Pumpkins are gourds, and you can choose miniature pumpkins. Many of them have spots, green stripes, or yellow skin instead of orange skin like larger pumpkins. Acorn squash, also called pepper squash or Des Moines squash, looks like a small, dark green pumpkin. Some varieties are golden or white. The Japanese pie pumpkin, also called the silver-seed gourd, has striped, bluish silver skin, and each fruit can weigh 20 pounds. Fig-leaf gourd looks like a watermelon, and the fruit can stay fresh for several years when stored correctly.

Turban squash looks like one pumpkin melted on top of another. The part near the stem is red, and the bottom half of the plant is red, green, white, or white with red stripes. Butternut squash is related to turban squash. They're mostly cylindrical, peach-colored, and the part farthest away from the stem is thicker.

Bottle gourds have thick bottoms and thin necks. They're light brown or beige, and people often use them as bottles. Dipper gourds have longer necks, and people often cut them in half and use them as spoons. Sponge gourds or luffas look like cucumbers, and the fiber underneath the outer shell makes a great sponge.

The best gourds look symmetrical and feel heavy when you pick them up. The bottom may be flat with a discolored spot where the fruit rested on the ground, and the rind should be thick and hard. When you tap it, it should have a hollow sound. The stem turns brown and falls off many gourds when they become ripe. However, it's best to harvest decorative or ornamental gourds before they mature. Their skins will have fewer injuries, so they'll be less likely to decay during drying.