Difference between gourd and squash
Gourds and squash have many differences in color, shape, and hardness. Even when preparing dishes, you can easily distinguish between gourds and pumpkins. Usually, you are only confused between star gourds and green squash (squash), but other types of gourds such as gourds, white gourds, pumpkins, and zucchini are quite characteristic so they will not be confused with each other. Here are some basic differences between star gourd and squash, you can rely on to distinguish these two fruits.
1. Gourds and squashes differ in the hardness of their shells
Gourds and squashes differ quite fundamentally in the hardness of their shells. When these two types of fruits are cut for sale, the gourds are usually cut young and the pumpkins are cut when the fruit is old. That's why you can use your fingernail to gently press on the gourd and you'll see your nail stuck inside. On the contrary, if you want to press a pumpkin, be careful of breaking your fingernails.
2. Gourds and squashes differ in the firmness of their flesh
Not only is the hardness of the skin different, but the hardness of the flesh is also different between these two types. Gourds have soft and spongy flesh, squashes have much harder flesh than gourds. The reason why squash is harder than gourds is because when squashes are ripe, they are delicious to eat, while gourds are delicious when eaten young. Therefore, when you buy gourds from the market, you can immediately distinguish them thanks to the hardness of the flesh.