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Spoons and ladles made from gourds are used for scooping water, milk or beer from one container into another. They were also used as spoons for eating and drinking. During the 19th century, people living in the Zulu kingdom close to the king's home, thanked him after the annual harvest by presenting him with beer.
Lagenaria siceraria, also known as bottle gourd or calabash, can be fashioned into a spoon by carving its hard, mature, and dried shell. Historically, the gourd's waterproof properties made it a common choice for utensils and containers in warm climates worldwide.
How to make a gourd spoon
Select and harvest: Grow the gourd on a trellis for a uniform shape, as the fruit will conform to the surface it rests on. Harvest the gourd when the skin is fully hardened, and then allow it to cure in a warm, dry place for several weeks.
Dry and hollow: Once cured, the gourd will be waterproof with a woody texture. Cut a small hole in the top and scoop out the inner pulp and seeds. Let the gourd dry completely.
Carve and shape: Cut the dried gourd into the desired spoon shape. Some mature gourds naturally have a rounded, spoon-like shape, making the process simpler. You can then sand and finish the wood to create a smooth surface.
Finish and preserve: You can use a food-safe oil to finish the surface, or leave it untreated for a more rustic look.
