Gooseneck Gourd
Estimated Inventory, 40 lbs : 0
Description/Taste
Definitely resembling its namesake, the fascinating goose gourd produces a goose-like head and a long neck. Having a rather smooth exterior, there are never two exactly alike.
Seasons/Availability
All types of unique gourds make their appearance in the fall season.
Current Facts
This type of gourd is used fresh as a colorful, attractive decoration. Dried, they develop a tough, but thin shell. The colors, however, are not preserved when dried.
Applications
Not edible, goose gourds add their very own colorful presence to fall table arrangements. Pair with festive Indian corn and mini-pumpkins.
Geography/History
Native to northern Mexico and eastern North America, yellow-flowered gourds have been cultivated for a very long time. These gourds are primarily used as ornamentals. Many of the smaller fruits are naturally striped or mottled creating various shades of green and yellow. Some gourds are warted, while others are prized for their unique and bizarre shapes. Most often the triangular leaves of gourds are deeply lobed. The leaves and stems are covered with protective short bristles to guard against invertebrate predators. Their extraordinary flowers are showy and quite large. Female and male flowers are borne on the same plant, but the male flowers, growing at the ends, appear about a week before the female flowers. Ornamental gourds of the species Cucurbita produce yellow blossoms and are closely related to pumpkins, melons, cucumbers and squashes. From the plant species Lagenaria, hard-shell gourds produce white blossoms, vary widely in shape size, and dry with a tough, hard, light brown shell.
