Difference Between Gourds and Pumpkins

Gourds vs Pumpkins

Gourds and pumpkins are both bush-like plants which are popularly seen in the northern part of America. These two have almost the same properties and have a maturity period of about 100 to 129 days. As gourds and pumpkins belong to the same family, they do not differ much.

A gourd is mainly used as a vessel or a container at home. Gourds are also used as musical instruments such as drums and stringed instruments. When comparing the two, gourds are mostly ornamental in type. On the contrary, pumpkins are edible and are eaten when ripe.
Another difference that can be seen between the two is that gourds can be only dried when mature and pumpkins can be roasted, baked, steamed, or boiled when mature.

Both the gourd and the pumpkin are unique in themselves. During the times of Halloween, pumpkins are used as jack-o’-lanterns at houses. As said earlier, gourds are used as musical instruments as they can vibrate sounds.

When comparing gourds and pumpkins, the latter are more often used as table vegetables as they are more edible. As the flesh of a pumpkin is a bit coarse or has a strong flavor, it is more often used as a vegetable after baking.

There are also many differences in the harvesting season of pumpkins and gourds. While pumpkins are harvested once the rinds become hard and when the skin turns orange, gourds are allowed to mature as long as possible. The more they mature, the better they are. But when on the vines, they have to be protected from very cold temperatures.

Summary:

1.Gourds and pumpkins are both bush-like plants.

2.Gourds are mainly used as vessels or containers at home. Gourds are also used as musical instruments such as drums and a stringed instrument.

3.During the times of Halloween, pumpkins are used as jack-o’-lanterns at houses.

4.When comparing gourds and pumpkins, the latter are more often used as table vegetables as they are more edible.

5.As the flesh of a pumpkin is a bit coarse or has a strong flavor, it is more often used as a vegetable after baking.

6.While pumpkins are harvested once the rinds become hard and when the skin turns orange, gourds are allowed to mature as long as possible.
7.Another difference that can be seen between the two is that gourds can be only dried when mature and pumpkins can be roasted, baked, steamed, or boiled when mature.