Gourds
Giant Bello

Edible gourd cultivated in Ghana, known for its umami flavor, used as a meat/fish alternative in soups and stews.

About Giant Bello

(Lagenaria siceraria). This edible gourd has been cultivated in the lush landscapes of Ghana's Ashanti and Bono regions for at least 150 years. A prolific and easy-to-grow plant that yields gigantic fruit capable of stretching up to 2 feet long and an impressive 15 inches in diameter. They thrive with minimal effort, gracefully climbing a trellis or sprawling across the garden. We are thrilled to offer this highly revered heirloom, and it wouldn't have been possible without the fantastic work of seed saver and farmer Solomon Amuzu. Best eaten cooked, this gourd's flavor profile is utterly unique, boasting a distinct umami flavor akin to mushrooms. In Ghanaian cuisine, it serves as a versatile alternative and substitute for meat and fish in soups, stews, and sauces, imparting depth and richness. The perfect type for preparing Nkate Nkwan, a Ghanaian culinary classic, consisting of a velvety blend of gourd, creamy peanut butter, tomatoes, onions, and spices, served with fufu. For optimal flavor and the best culinary experience, harvest and consume the fruit while young and tender; older fruit can be eaten by removing the skin and tough flesh to reach a more tender interior. In times past, it's believed these gourds emerged as formidable weapons when tribes in northern Ghana heated them over a roaring fire, mounted them onto a long sturdy pole, and hurled the molten hot gourds at their unsuspecting enemies. (Do not try this at home.)