Why Do Decorative Gourds Need to Be Peeled? A Detailed Guide to Peeling Methods

The decorative gourd is a kind of plaything that has quietly risen in popularity in recent years. Now the season for harvesting gourds from the vines has come around again. Many collectors' bamboo strips are also itching for action. Speaking of bamboo strips, we have to mention that these are used to peel gourds. Yes, don't be surprised - peeling gourds. Now let me explain to everyone, why do gourds need to be peeled? How do you peel them?

1. Why do gourds need to be peeled

No matter what kind of gourd we have, the outside always has a skin. This commonly called peeling - it doesn't mean scraping off the entire skin clean. Rather, it means removing that thin outer layer of green skin. Because only after that layer of skin is removed does the gourd become cleaner and take on a better polish when handled and played with. Otherwise, as you play with it, it keeps shedding skin - who would want to play with that? After all the hard work of getting a bit of jade-like finish, flake, it falls off. Oh no, ruined. So decorative gourds absolutely must be peeled

2. How to peel a decorative gourd

1. Select

Choose a gourd whose skin color is green or pale greenish-white. If the gourd is still tender green, let it sit for a while longer - there's no rush to process it

2. Soak

To make scraping the skin easier, we generally soak the decorative gourd to be peeled in water for a period of time.

3. Scrape

This can be said to be the most important process. We can use a small bamboo strip specially meant for scraping skin. If you really don't have one, a bank card will do. Then scrape from top to bottom. The gourd's stalk, or the dragon head - whatever you call it - must absolutely not be broken. If it breaks, it's ruined. Get another one to peel. When scraping the skin, remember to scrape the bottom of the gourd thoroughly clean. Otherwise it may grow mold

3. Rub

After all the scraping is done, give the gourd a cold water bath. Remember to add a bit of alkali to the water to stabilize the gourd's shape. Then use a bath mitt (preferably dried loofah fibers or steel wool) to gently polish off the remaining outer skin

4. Dry

Drying is also a very important step. The gourd needs to be hung up - absolutely do not let its bottom face down. It should be hung in a cool, well-ventilated place. It must not bump against other objects. Nor should there be strong wind, which would cause it to wrinkle. It also must not be exposed to the sun. Generally 3 to 5 days will do. If you're worried, give it a tap - if it rattles, then it's right

Alright, the above is how to peel a decorative gourd, brought to you by the Tuliu website editors. We hope it is helpful to everyone