Comments on: It’s a Flask, It’s a Vegetable, It’s Bottle Gourd!

By: Adriane

Adriane — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:32:57 +0000

I have vines of bottle gourd growing in my yard now. I planted them to cover and shade my dog’s kennel and also to create a cool play spot for my son. The vines seem determined to take over the entire world!! They have small fruits hanging from them and many more are on the way. As there is not enough time left for them to get mature enough to harden into containers I should just eat them, and am eager to do so. I don’t know when (what size) to pick them for cooking. I suppose I have enough available to just use the trial and error method but if anyone can help me with some hard info I would appreciate it. BTW this variety was described on the seed packet as Giant Bottle Gourd, in case that’s important. I also have vines of long handled dipper gourds and Upo (or Opo)that are blooming male flowers but no fruits yet. Obviously I need more recipes. Some asian friends in the east Dallas area would come in handy right now to help consume this bounty!

By: Li Ma-Keh

Li Ma-Keh — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:44:14 +0000

The other English name for hu-Lu or Hu-dz’ is; Calabash, but ‘bottle-gourd’ is still the most common. I run a Chinese kung-fu school in Ohio and we are far away from most big Chinatown areas. I found several perfect shaped Hu-Lu for our Lion dance at vegatable stands in the Fall when everyone is selling pumpkins and squash. I painted it Red, put a red cord around it and the ‘Monk’ uses it to get our Chinese Lion drunk at Chinese New Year shows. (all of this is performed in traditional costume)
Most of the Hu-Lu you will find in Chinatowns will be small and painted as Fung-Shuai good-luck decorations. So, make sure you go to the actual Chinese groceriy stores and ask for hu-Lu or hu-dz’. Coach Li http://www.coilingdragonkungfu.com

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By: Maggie

Maggie — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:19:57 +0000

I had no idea you could eat these! The stir-fry sounds delicious with the touch of vinegar.

They also go by the name of gooseneck gourd.

By: Kian

Kian — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:44:15 +0000

Diana, I don’t know of any other English name for this gourd. I believe bottle gourd is the most common English name.

By: Diana

Diana — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:19:39 +0000

Do you know if they have another English name? I want to try your vinegar sauce recipe!

By: yunyun

yunyun — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:15:57 +0000

I have never eaten this, I always thought it was use as storage or decoration when dried out. Cool. I will have to tell my parents because they have some hulu growing in their gardens in Texas.

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:13:06 +0000

(Anne are you by Sunset Park? My boyfriend is originally from there and my family which now lives mostly in Dyker and Marine Park lived in Bensonhurst for years. My father proposed to my mother in Tomaso’s…I have some strong attachments to Brooklyn)

Secondary, I have never seen the bottle gourd, but have seen the similar green gourd (cucuzza in Italian), same green color but often just a long cylinder. (http://www.cucuzzasquash.com/) Do they taste similar? I’ve seen the same squash at the asian markets only shorter and squatter, so maybe you’re familiar? You think I could sub it out, after peeling them first?

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:47:45 +0000

I love the way these look, and I’m so intrigued to try them, especially with your recipe. Luckily, my new Brooklyn home is only a few stops from Chinatown!

By: Kian

Kian — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:27:00 +0000

I am always amazed at the variety of produce and food products now available in the U.S. from China. I discover new things every time I go to Chinatown.