Pumpkins are a type of fruit in the squash, cucumber, and melon families. They are commonly used for fall decor and can be dried and carved into items such as birdhouses and bowls. Pumpkins come in various colors and take four to six months to dry completely.
Pumpkins are a type of fruit within the squash, cucumber, and melon families. The cucurbit gourd family tends to be smaller, with softer skin, while the lagenaria family is larger, with tougher skin and more flesh inside. There are several varieties of gourds, though somewhat surprisingly, very few are used for cooking. Instead, common uses for gourds include decorating, making musical instruments, carving, and tools, among others. Traditionally associated with fall décor, pumpkins can make an excellent choice for interior and exterior decorating.
Pumpkins come in a variety of colors, including greens, browns, yellows, oranges, and reds. Pumpkins typically have very hard shells and stringy inner flesh, which is what makes them virtually inedible. Displayed alone or with a mix of fall leaves and other fall decorations, these differently colored pumpkins can make great centerpieces on a table. Some people also choose to display pumpkins outside, such as with gourds or cornstalks, for a nice fall display.
Other common uses for gourds include drying the outer shell and scraping off the flesh to create an empty container. Gourds have a wooden appearance when dried and are quite sturdy. There are many different tips you can find online for drying pumpkins, but many suggest harvesting pumpkins late in the season, leaving about two inches of stem attached. Pumpkins are generally considered ready to harvest when the stems turn brown and dry out.
Place the gourds in a dry, cool, dark place where they can get lots of airflow, and turn them regularly to prevent rot. Fleshy gourds, like those in the Lagenaria family, can take longer to dry than others; most gourds take four to six months to dry completely. Also, it’s common for gourds to give off an unpleasant odor while they’re drying, so it’s a good idea to keep them separate from your living space. When gourds are touched and make a hollow sound, they are generally finished drying; they will also feel much lighter when picked up.
Dried gourds can be left whole and used for display, or they can be cut, hollowed out, and carved into items such as birdhouses, bowls, pitchers, or cups, among others. These are just some of the common uses of pumpkins. Some cultures use hollowed gourds for musical instruments, masks or instruments. Growing these bright and colorful pumpkins at home is relatively simple, and you may be able to find many common uses for pumpkins indoors.
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