Are Gourds edible

[Garvey]

I was given a number of gourd plants earlier in the year. They have done brilliantly with many fruit. I had a scare today in Dobbies when I read a Gourd seed packet that informed me they were inedible for decoration only. Can you confirm if Gourds are edible?

[Paulottie]

Some and are some are not!...not that helpful eh.

I know the ones in Dobies we grew them for many years for decorating the church and parties etc. They won't be poisonous but just like wood!....you'll discover they are not edible.

Round de Nice courgettes and Summer squashes like Pattison (pattypans etc) are the best eating. Turks turban, Butternuts and pumpkins are the best autumn varieties for the kitchen.

[janeyo]

I thought they were mostly ornamental. maybe google your specific type to be sure.

[Mrs Dobby]

We were given some once, cooked them up as roasted, and tasted foul! Like eating concentrated fairy washing up liquid, deffo not nice!

[rustylady]

Some are, and some are'nt. Without knowing exactly which varieties you're growing I'm afraid it's impossible to say.

[Alison]

My understanding was that gourds are the ornamental version of squashes and therefore not good for eating. As said above, stick to courgettes and other yummy squash.