GOURD ASIAN

Different types of gourds, such as Bitter Melons, hairy melons, Bottle and Calabash Gourds, and Young Luffas, offer unique textures and flavors in various dishes. For example, Bitter Melons and hairy melons are commonly stuffed with meat, seafood or beans. Calabash Gourds are perfect for meat soups and stir-fries, while Young Luffas can be cooked as you would zucchini. Additionally, the Winter Melon is a key ingredient in authentic winter melon soup, a popular dish at Chinese banquets. For this soup, the melon is used as the serving dish and its flesh is served alongside the soup. When using gourds for cooking, it is best to harvest them young to avoid bitterness.

Plant seeds ½‚-1 ½‚ deep either indoors to transplant or directly outdoors. When thinned, hills should be 6‚ apart to account for growth. Plant seeds in spring, as this plant thrives in summer sun. Great to use as a container or for crafts when it is dried out.