... And so it continues... Squash types beginning with D through J include unusual
squash types, the best-known of which is the Hubbard. More rare varieties
include the delicata, eight-ball, gold nugget and green-striped cushaw.
Let’s begin!
Decorative Squash
Decorative squash are edible winter squash with unusual
shapes and/or markings that make attractive centerpieces and other household
decor. They are also known as ornamental squash. Examples include the baby boo
pumpkin, carnival squash, the calabash squash, the delicata squash, and the
turban squash.
Turban squash
Delicata Squash or Sweet Potato Squash
The oblong delicata squash has lemon-colored skin streaked
with green or orange. The meat is a cross between butternut squash and sweet
potato, so much so that it is also called sweet potato squash. It is also known
as Bohemian squash.
Available year-round, it is best late summer through early
fall.
Eight-Ball Squash
The fattened, round eight-ball squash from California is a
spherical hybrid of zucchini. Sharing the same dark, speckled green skin and
plump insides, this squash can be prepared exactly the same way as zucchini.
Available from spring until fall
Fairytale Pumpkin
The Fairytale pumpkin is a charming, flat-shaped squash with
deep ribs. It is a large, flat (cheese-wheel-shaped) winter pumpkin, growing to
20 pounds. The mature pumpkin has an orange-brown rind; the flesh is deep
orange, tender and sweet, making it delicious as well as decorative option. The
fairytale pumpkin is known in France (and often in the U.S.) as a musquee de
Provence meaning, “Favorite pumpkin of chefs. ... A beautiful heirloom from the
South of France with large 20 pound flattened fruits that are heavily ribbed”.
Gold Ball Squash
A newer variety hybrid of gold zucchini, gold ball squash
are round and make a beautiful still life. Use it as you would a zucchini, or
use it as a bowl. Scoop out seeds, fill it with your favorite dip or salad, or
cook in halves, then fill with other vegetables, or foods.
Gold Nugget Squash
Similar to a hand-size pumpkin, this dull-skinned squash
(the dull skin indicates maturity) is a deep orange inside. Noted for its
blander taste compared to other squashes, gold nugget squash can be found
throughout the year.
The best season is late summer through early winter.
Gooseneck Squash
He Gooseneck squash is a winter squash similar to the
calabash squash. But instead of the calabash’s bottleneck shape (see my
previous installment in the series), the neck is naturally bent to resemble a
goose’s neck.
Gourd
A gourd is the hollow, dried shell of a fruit in the plant
family Cucurbitaceae, to which squash belong. There are edible gourds (squash),
and those non-edible varieties used as vessels, musical instruments and for
decor. Gourds are believed to be the earliest plant domesticated by man, in
Africa, where they were used as bowls and bottles (they are still used today to
drink yerba maté in South America). The rattling dried seeds inside enable
gourds to be used as percussion instruments; even today, gourds are used as
resonating chambers on certain stringed instruments and drums, especially in
the Caribbean.
So SQUASH ARE GOURDS!! How cool is that!
Decorative Gourds
Green-Striped Cushaw Squash
The cushaw is a white squash, mottled and striped with green
and crookneck-shaped. Its yellow flesh is best suited for pies and fillings
because it is slightly sweet, but thick and coarse. It tastes very much like a
pumpkin, and could be an even better alternative.
Available late summer to the end of winter
Hubbard Squash (Blue, Golden, Green, or Gray)
Large and bumpy like a misshapen teardrop, this squash is well-known
for its wart-covered exterior and its peach-colored flesh. Hubbard squash is
generally uniform in color, although the gray variety has a dusty appearance.
The flesh is moist, but is best prepared boiled or baked and then puréed.
Longer cooking helps breakdown its fibrousness and evaporates some of the
excess water.
Available year-round, but peak season is early fall
throughout winter.
Indian Bitter Melon
Resembling a bumpy cucumber, Indian Bitter Melon is much
smaller than Chinese Bitter Melon, only 4 to 5 inches in length. The grooved
yellow-green to dark-green skin holds a fibrous, seed-filled core ... The
lighter the color, the milder the taste. Its slightly sour flavor becomes quite
bitter upon ripening. This bitter or quinine flavor is often combined with
garlic or chili. It is used in soups, curries, stir-fry, or can be steamed and
braised.
Available January through November
Italian Squash
See cucuzza squash.
Jarrahdale Pumpkin
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