Can You Cook and Eat a Painted Gourd?

Tips

• Only cook painted gourds if the paint is non-toxic and can be thoroughly washed off before cooking.
• Remove all the painted skin before cooking if the paint cannot be washed off.
• Use homemade paints made from food-grade dyes to eliminate safety concerns.
• Check that the gourd has not been sprayed with preserving spray and is free of rot or blemishes.
• Peel the gourd to remove bitter skin, cut open, remove membranes and seeds.
• Cook at 350°F until easily pierced, or boil for at least 20 minutes to reduce bitterness.
• Bake seeds at 325°F for about an hour with salt and oil for a crunchy snack.
• If not eating, compost or donate to farm for animal feed after removing paint.