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Taber, Alberta

I found a self pollinated gourd about 20 inches long on the top of my trellis today. My neighbour asked me a few weeks ago if you can eat them, so we took the plunge. They taste pretty good raw, almost like cucumbers. I think they would taste good with a little garlic and butter in the frying pan.....

Anyone else silly enough to try them?

9/5/2010 10:25:22 PM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

I had the same experience as you.
My wife fried one about 10 inches and it was better than zucchini.

9/6/2010 9:20:01 AM

Colorado

I have a italian restaurant next door.The owner cooks real young ones up (as bob said) with garlic. He serves that to friends and family only

9/9/2010 12:56:55 PM

eastern Ontario

I learned from the Italian growers in Toronto that people had been eating them for centuries,this is why they were originally developed in fact.Also I read on the internet the fresh growing vine tips are tasty,I tried them and they would make good salad material.Numerous recipies on the internet.The Italians call them Sicilian Zucchinis.
We in Can-USA,maybe Ray Waterman,started calling them Long Gourds.Easier to spell,for sure.

9/11/2010 1:56:20 PM

Central Connecticut

Long gourds are realy just "Cucuzza" Squash a few years ago I found a pack of seeds at the store and grew for comparison. looked the same at about half the size. If you're looking for recipes google... Cucuzza

Ciao

9/20/2010 7:53:42 AM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

The late Tony El-Kassis told me they are excellent stuffed and baked in a tomato sauce, much like stuffed peppers. He was suggesting using small gourds less than 20" long. I have never tried it, but I bet its good!

9/20/2010 8:31:49 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Tony was right, young gourds are what you want. Friday night I had parmesan oregano gourds and they were great. The skin was a little tough but very much like zuchinni.

9/20/2010 10:00:06 PM

bliss,n.y.- heart of Wyoming County

Andy-
Sounds interesting. I wonder how they would be sliced and based in a good red sauce?

10/5/2010 4:24:58 PM